Construction works are due to commence in early March on the upgrade of a cycle route on Stillorgan Road near University College Dublin. This scheme extends from the junction with The Rise to the pedestrian footbridge midway between the Fosters Avenue junction and Belfield flyover. Stillorgan Road is a key route in the city linking Bray and the City Centre with about 800 cyclists using the route each weekday in each direction.
The main works to be carried out, as part of the pedestrian and cycle scheme, include the following:
- Enhanced facilities for cyclists on the city bound side of Stillorgan Road including the provision of 2.0m wide cycle tracks.
- Reconfiguration of the junction of Stillorgan Road and the Rise.
- Upgrade of the Stillorgan Road and Fosters Avenue junction to include a pedestrian/cycle ‘toucan’ crossing across Stillorgan Road and Fosters Avenue and the provision of enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This will provide a crossing point for students attending the nearby schools.
- Development of a new pedestrian and cycle entrance for UCD on Stillorgan Road at footbridge to improve accessibility to and from UCD. A two-way cycle route will be provided from the new entrance to the Fosters Avenue junction.
- Relocation and modification of bus stops to provide enhanced safety for cyclists.
- All associated utilities works, including the relocation of public lighting, traffic signals, trees, and third-party utilities.
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Shay Brennan stated, “I welcome the commencement of the cycle route upgrade scheme on Stillorgan Road on this busy cycle corridor. The scheme will improve cycling options for the 20% of staff and students who currently cycle to and from UCD by bike each day and also for those cycling towards the city. This is one of a number of cycle schemes being progressed in the County, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, and I look forward to seeing other cycling infrastructure projects commencing in 2020 in the County”
This scheme is fully funded by the National Transport Authority. Further cycle track improvements are also planned for Stillorgan Road as part of Bus Connects.
A Traffic Management Plan will be in place during the works that will consider all road users with traffic disruption kept to a minimum as is reasonably possible. Updates will be provided throughout the works to inform the elected members, businesses, residents and the public regarding the scheme progress. It is expected the works will continue for about 12 months.
Further information on the scheme and cycling in the Council can be obtained by e-mail at [email protected].