Official Opening of Willsbrook Cycle Track & Launch of Bike Week 2017 (10th to 18th June 2017)

15/06/2017

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

WILLSBROOK ROAD PHASE 3B CYCLE SCHEME is part of the overall Willsbrook Road Cycle Improvement Scheme which runs from the Fonthill Road to Griffeen Road – a total length of 2.5km, and also includes Phases 1, 2, 3 and 3A.

Phase 1 was completed successfully in December 2015, it involved works that led to the alteration of the Griffeen Way / Griffeen Rd Roundabout and Castle Road / Willsbrook Rd Roundabout to make them pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Phase 2 involved the alteration of the roundabout at Elmbrook Avenue / Willsbrook Road Junction; installation of zebra crossings on all four arms of the roundabout; junction treatments for all junctions on Willsbrook Road between Castle Road and Elmbrook Avenue; new shared footpath / cycle track on the northern side of Willsbrook Road between Castle Road and Elmbrook Avenue; new shared footpath / cycle track on the east side of Elmbrook Avenue between Willsbrook Road and Esker Lane; junction treatment of the Esker Lane / Elmbrook Avenue Junction; and other various road markings.

Phase 3 involved the upgrade of cycle and pedestrian facilities at Willsbrook Rd / Outer Ring Road (R136) junction and was completed in January 2017.

Planned works on Phase 3A will deliver an the upgrade of pedestrian and cycle facilities between the junctions of Willsbrook Road and Saint Andrews, and the Mount Bellew/ Willsbrook Roundabout with the ultimate objective of providing a standard and safe cycle link between Phase 2 and Phase 3 and complete the installation of a cycle link from Willsbrook Road to the newly installed cycle track in Willsbrook Park through pedestrian access gate on Willsbrook Road.

Construction of Phase 3A is expected to begin mid-June 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in five months’ time.

Where we are today is Phase 3B which as you can see involved the upgrade of pedestrian and cycle facilities through Willsbrook Park to enhance connectivity between the South and North Lucan across the N4. This scheme was recently completed and provides that crucial and safe link across the N4.

All of the works on the various phases completed to date have been well received as evidenced by the increase of pedestrians and cyclists using the roundabouts and shared footpaths / cycle tracks and the upgraded junction at Willsbrook Rd / Outer Ring Road. Traffic flow at the upgraded Willsbrook Road / Outer Ring Road junction has also improved as evidenced by the reduction of queues, especially on the Willsbrook arm of the junction. This is achieving modal shift by providing road users with a viable alternative.

The works are consistent with the design philosophy of the National Transport Authority (NTA), where cycle and pedestrian facilities are significantly enhanced and where the emphasis on vehicular capacity and speed is downgraded resulting in a more sustainable and attractive urban environment. The works in are funded by the NTA and provide a great addition to the cycle infrastructure offered by the Council in our ongoing efforts to encourage cycling and provide a safe and connected environment for its uptake.

This new cycleway has potential for connecting communities, providing access to amenities and local facilities as well as to provide for commuter cycling to other parts of the County.

It is appropriate to open the route officially during Bike Week, an annual event which runs this year from the 10th to 18th June. Bike week gives us the chance to actively promote our cycling infrastructure and to encourage and acknowledge participation in cycling activities. Cycling is free, fun, and good for health and fitness and is suitable for all ages and for families. There are a number of activities and events on offer throughout the week all across the County. Details on Facebook and website www.bikeweek.ie. In additional there is a programme of schools events scheduled to take place all around the County which will involve several hundred children.

Bike Week is an opportunity to showcase the many cycle tracks both on and off road which have been provided for the citizens of the County.

Images

Opening of Willsbrook Cycle Track