Navan businesses hoping new traffic changes will run smoothly

GAVAN BECTON & ANN CASEY

Motorists have been urged to allow time for changes to Navan's traffic flows, which came into effect last Sunday afternoon, time to bed in.

Meath Co Council engineers, Bus Éireann staff, signal technicians and traffic marshals were in place at affected junctions as changes to the town's traffic flows were initiated on Sunday, (28th January) including the reversal of traffic on Bridge Street and Ludlow Street.

New signs were positioned above poles and traffic lights were tested and turned on just after 4pm with cars allowed to enter Bridge St from Academy Road and Circular Road (left turn only). A handful of people stopped at the busy junction to see the traffic take the new route, some curious heads even popping out of P Clarke's watering hole to see what all the fuss was about.

A Bus Eireann 'test' coach approaching from Academy St was allowed to move straight across and on to Bridge St/Ludlow St. Buses (109x, NX and 190) began officially using the new routes into Kennedy Square on Monday.

Local representatives had urged the public to give the new traffic arrangements, part of the Navan 2030 streetscape scheme, a chance, with initial teething problems expected.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy and Mayor of Navan said the proposed change in traffic flow was another significant move towards the completion of the Navan 2030 streetscape scheme.

“The measure will cause some disruption at first. However, it is designed to streamline public transport services in Navan, which is a good thing.

“Abbey Road was not designed to cater for heavy traffic. Local residents will be delighted to see a massive reduction of footfall in the area.

“From a personal point of view, a centralised public transport service in Navan will be of huge benefit to everyone. Kennedy Road is central, it is well lit up and it is in close proximity to the Garda station. Public transport users will be much safer at that location.

Meath Co Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tommy Reilly warned it would be “a bit messy for a while.”

“Change is hard to get used to, but if this relieves pressure on the buses and reduces traffic jams, it will work out,” he said.

Cllr Emer Tóibín said urged everyone to take their time and get used to the new arrangements.

“We need to take things slowly and get used to the new traffic flow. There will be bedding down issues but I urge people to work with the bus drivers until it beds down.

Only buses, taxis and cyclists can now travel through Market Square towards Kennedy Road

Meanwhile, all private traffic coming from Ludlow St will travel across the south side of Market Square towards Watergate St. Traffic entering Market Square from Timmons Hill can now only turn right towards Watergate St.

All traffic coming from Kennedy Road, Timmons Hill and Ludlow St will now exit via Watergate St.

As Meath Chronicle shared news about the changeover at the weekend on its social media channels, reaction to the new arrangements was quick to arrive.

One person commented: “I'll not be doing any business in the town anymore. Quicker getting to and from Blanchardstown and there is free parking. Not everyone has easy access to buses.”

Another said: “All traffic flow going towards Watergate Street is absolutely ludicrous, it's going be a s**tshow. The lights at bottom of Watergate Street only go green for very little time. It's going be bedlam.”

Meath Co Council said it acknowledged the recent traffic management changes in Navan at the weekend as “a significant change” for some road users and that “it is anticipated that there will be a period of adjustment for motorists to adapt to the permanent traffic changes in the town.”

“To assist with the implementation process, temporary directional signage, and variable messaging signage have been erected to complement the permanent road markings and signage. Traffic marshals are also on duty for the week.

“Meath Co Council apologises in advance to the public for any inconvenience and is grateful for their cooperation and patience while these important works are being implemented to improve access to Navan Town for bus services.”

Businesses in Navan had a mixed reaction to the changes in traffic flow, but in general reported that traffic was relatively quiet, although Watergate Street was busier than usual.

Damien Clarke, of P Clarke's on Bridge Street said traffic was quiet but there were a number of issues he had concerns about.

“There is no right turn into Bridge Street if you are driving on Circular Road and motorists have to drive up to the roundabout at the Solstice and come back down Circular Road to access Bridge Street, which is very awkward.

“There is also the issue of taxis. We've had customers not sure whether to call for a taxi or walk up to the rank at the Square.

“Prior to this, the taxi was able to come straight down to the pub but now if they call a taxi, it has to go all the way around the town, so they have to decide whether to call a taxi or take a chance and walk up to the rank, but there might not be a taxi there.

“The street is also quite narrow for big buses, with cars parked along the street and they were down to a crawl,” he remarked.

“Of course, it is early days yet, so it remains to be seen. Time will tell.”

Paula McCaul, Chief Executive of County Meath Chamber, whose offices are on Church Hill said there had been a bit of confusion “but people seem to be getting their heads around it.”

“It has been relatively quiet. There are a lot of marshals around helping people - they are at every corner. There doesn't seem to have been any major incidents. It will take time to settle down, but I'm quietly optimistic.”

Ludlow Street butcher, Sean McGrane said he isn't a fan of the heavy vehicles travelling uphill on Ludlow Street.

“It hasn't been a problem yet, because the traffic has been moving, but when the traffic gets heavier, there will be problems with heavy vehicles shaking the buildings.

“We won't really know how the whole system is working for a few weeks,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Newgrange Hotel said that traffic coming out from their car park has now to turn right and to do so, they need to manoeuvre out into part of the loading bay. She believed the loading bay at the car exit should be moved slightly to accommodate the right turn.