The National Transport Authority has submitted a planning application for a Core Bus Corridor from Liffey Valley to the City Centre. The route will be going through Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Old Kilmainham, Mount Brown and James Street, Thomas Street, Cornmarket and High Street. The length of the proposed scheme encompasses 9.2 km.
Cycling infrastructure will contribute to the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Plan, and facilitate the lowering of carbon emissions as more of Dublin moves towards zero carbon in certain areas.
Along the current route there’s been problems with traffic congestion; with buses, general traffic and cyclists having to compete for space. The scheme aims to enhance public transport by prioritising bus routes and improving walking and cycling infrastructure in the area. It is one of 12 schemes forming part of Busconnects Dublin. According to the plans:
Emmet Road is to be reconfigured to allow for a bus lane and general traffic lane in both directions.
Memorial Road will change from one way to two way to allow for general traffic.
A Bus gate traffic management measure will ensure access to the National Children’s Plans For Core Bus Corridor Through Dublin 8 at Mount Brown.
Cycling routes will be segregated from general traffic as much as possible.
There will be high quality landscaping and street furniture, crossing facilities and bus shelters will be reworked throughout the route.
Footpaths will be widened and cycling lanes will be extended.
The scheme will improve bus speeds, punctuality and reliability.
The design has been modified in various areas to address concerns over environmental impact. Junction layouts have been changed to provide more safety for cyclists by using secondary signalised stages for cyclists, such as those at Kylemore Road and Fonthill Road.
The Core Bus Corridor is aiming to improve services making transport reliable, affordable and fast. Such a wide ranging and detailed plan may still face challenges in its implementation, but overall construction will take a period of 30 months. More information and the full plan can be found on liffeyvalleyscheme.ie
