Kennedy Road bus hub works to begin next month

Next phase of Navan 2030 scheme will start with upgrading the junction of Kennedy Road and Paddy O'Brien Street

Work is expected to start on the third phase of the Navan 2030 roadworks, which will involve the provision the new bus interchange at Kennedy Road, next month.

The work will start with upgrading the junction of Kennedy Road and Paddy O'Brien Street, as well as the junction of Paddy O'Brien Street with Abbey Road.

At a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last week, councillors were told work would also be taking place on the taxi rank at Kennedy Road and a new taxi rank at Abbey Road, as well as the provision of the bus gate at Trimgate Street/Kennedy Road.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy asked where the new rank would be on Abbey Road and was told outside the back entrance to the shopping centre. Consultant, Cormac Ross told the meeting that there had been a lot of consultation with the local business community and the shopping centre.

Director of Services, Martin Murray, said there would be temporary traffic management plans and details would be provided. He said that when the work is completed the permanent changeover of the flow of traffic would be introduced. This would include the reversal of flow of traffic on Ludlow Street.

In response to a query by the Mayor, Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, Mr Murray said it was the intention to keep the junction of Kennedy Rad and Trimgate Street open, but there may have to be temporary closures,

Cllr Fitzsimons was told the trial pedestrianisation of Trimgate Street could also be looked at towards of the end of the current contract.

Councillors were told further contracts for the Navan 2030 scheme would include work on Preston Place, Trimgate Street and the various laneways.

Cllr Fitzsimons asked if there could be a separate meeting of the council, where all the contracts for Navan 2030 and the Active Travel pedestrian/cycle schemes could be discussed and it was agreed this would take place in the next month.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the business community's primary concern is how the works will impact local trade.

“I welcome the council's intention to engage with local businesses. Clarification around issues such area access and traffic management should allay most of their concerns.

"Changes to taxi infrastructure is of concern to local drivers. The council's plan to facilitate the industry whilst works are underway is welcomed. Long term, I believe the installation of a new taxi rank on Abbey Road will prove much more beneficial than it's current location.

“Abbey Road isn't as congested as Kennedy Road and it provides convenient access to the east and west of the town via Circular Road and North Navan via the Beaufort Road.

"The impact of the 2030 scheme on the centre of Navan has been incredible. The quality of finish is top class and the streetscape has been transformed in terms of accessibility and aesthetics.

“When completed we'll have a centre of town that'll be the envy of the region," he said.