LATEST: 18-month upgrade works begin on busy commuter road in Clare town

Work has officially commenced on the Tulla Road Active Travel Scheme in Ennis, a project aimed at improving road safety and enhancing accessibility for all road users along a busy stretch of road.

Clare County Council has confirmed that contractors began these works on Tuesday, October 28.

The scheme will provide a continuous 2.2 kilometre primary cycle route as well as enhanced walking and wheeling facilities, incorporating new and upgraded bus stops to improve connectivity between St Senan's Road and Hillcrest Junction.

Read next: 'Not lost, but rather repurposed': Ennis parking spaces under scrutiny amid ongoing works

The works will also include the upgrade of existing pedestrian crossings and create new crossings at key locations, while also implementing traffic calming measures, including junction tightening and a raised table at Ballymacahill Junction. 

There will also be a one-way segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the road, with shared-path use in areas where space is limited. 

Construction is expected to continue for approximately 18 months in seven phases:

Clare County Council Senior Executive Engineer Anne O’Sullivan said, “This project is designed to deliver significant improvements for cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users along the Tulla Road corridor.

"To achieve this outcome, some disruption can be expected during the construction phase, but we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact, including giving special consideration to traffic flow at peak times such as school and work travel."  

A traffic management system will be in place throughout the duration of the works, including temporary traffic lights.

Works will take place weekdays from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm but works impacting road operation will take place from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays. This allows free flow of school and standard work traffic. 

Any night time work and temporary traffic management will only take place with prior approval. The contractor will ensure alternative access to all properties and maintain 24-hour emergency access at all times.

The Senior Executive Engineer continued: “Clare County Council and the contractors will keep residents and stakeholders informed at all stages through monthly leaflet drops, local newspaper and radio ads, social media updates, and variable message signs on approach roads."