PRINCIPAL
ROADWORK'S ACHIEVEMENTS - 199912000
Over the past 12 months a
significant amount of works has been undertaken by the Roads, Transportation and Safety
Committee citywide.
The following would he
the principal highlights
In May 1999 the
Jack Lynch Tunnel was officially opened.
This flagship project had been under
construction since 1994, and it was with great pleasure that the scheme was opened by Taoiseach
Bertie Ahern and Lord Mayor Councillor Joe O'Flynn. The bringing on stream of this section of
the South Ring Road had a dramatic effect on traffic numbers, particularly within the city
centre areas. On some of the principal roads through the city there were traffic reductions in
the order of 20% - 25%. This was seen particularly in city centre and southern areas of the
city. It is now possible to undertake the large scale main drainage works within city centre
without disrupting traffic to a huge extent.
During 1999 and 2000 work has been
continuing on the installation of the Urban Traffic Control System' This system
which is a state of the art traffic control system for Cork City is due to be up and running
later this year. As part of this system, traffic flows in the city will be managed on a more
efficient basis.
It will also provide special
facilities for bus priority at junctions which should decrease journey times and make the
public transport system more efficient within the city.
The Patrick Street Project
was in the process of design this year, and a Presentation was made to Council by Beth
Gali, Architect appointed for this flagship scheme. It is hoped to have the design completed
later this year, and to commence work on the ground in the year 2001.
Considerable amount of Road
Resurfacing, and Reconstruction was undertaken. During 1999 we surfaced in the order of
30 Housing Estates. These were divided among the various Wards of the city.
9 Main Traffic Routes were
also resurfaced during 1999. The total cost of these schemes was in the order of £1.5m.
Stage 11 of the South City Link Resurfacing
was completed during 1999 at a cost of £1.2m
During this year Phase 11 of the Blackpool
By-Pass commenced, and is due for completion before the end of this year. Work
also commenced on the construction of the Thomas Davis over bridge. The completion of the First
Stage of Blackpool by-Pass and the commencement of Phase 11 meant that this scheme should be
completed by early 2001. The overall cost of this scheme will be in the order of £25M and this
investment in the Blackpool area is badly needed.
In relation to Urban Renewal the Emmet Place
Plaza was opened during this ear and this high quality area has been most
successful. In tandem with this scheme , work has begun on the refurbishment of the opera House
and the School of Art making Emmet Place one of the prime areas of the city centre by the end
of this year.
All in all it was a most
successful year for the Roads, Transportation and Safety Committee and congratulations is due
to all involved. | 
