Moville is to get its first ever traffic lights next year, to help alleviate problems at a busy junction in the centre of town.
The sophisticated new signal system – which will take account of both traffic and pedestrian movements in all directions – is designed to make the intersection between the Derry and Carn roads safer for all road users.
A recent survey revealed that there were approximately 1,800 pedestrian crossings from 9am until 4pm at the central crossroads in Moville.
Cllr Martin Farren says traffic lights are needed to help protect people as well as to free-up traffic.
“The volume of traffic at that junction has increased significantly over the years and I think a new traffic management system is needed to ensure that it is safer for pedestrians and more efficient for motorists.”
“This project is at the very early stages but it is something that I have been working on for a considerable period. I asked the council roads design team to look at improving traffic management in the town and new traffic lights, incorporating pedestrian crossings, seems to be the best consensus approach,” Cllr Farren added.
The council has currently put the project – expected to cost upwards of €40,000 – out to tender, with the lights set to go in during the coming months.
It is understood that at least two sets of lights will be erected under the plan, one set across Main Street through the town and one across the Carn road.
Cllr Farren says it’s imperative that the lights are installed prior to the busy summer season.
“This is about making the town safer for everyone and the sooner it happens, the better.”
The council says it is seeking a system that will “strike the balance between traffic and pedestrian movements, resulting in an improved junction performance and better urban environment. The main purpose of this proposal is to create a safe passage for pedestrians crossing each of the regional roads.”
The council intends to install a Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation (MOVA) controlled traffic signal control system in Moville.
The aim of MOVA is to disperse any queues which have built up on a red signal, it then assesses the traffic flows approaching on each arm of the junction and calculates if extending the current green would be beneficial.
Tags: