VIDEO: Johnstown school run traffic misery compounded by Navan works
With schools back just over a week, traffic misery for hundreds of parents has returned as they face lengthy tailbacks to get their children to school in Johnstown each day.
St Stephen’s NS is now the largest primary school in Co Meath with 900 pupils and the sheer volume of traffic going to the Johnstown education campus where a further 600 pupils are at school in Coláiste na Mí is resulting in traffic chaos on a daily basis.
St Stephen’s NS principal Jenny McHugh has once again reiterated her call for a second access point to the campus on the L5050 Johnstown Road commenting that the Council had got enough money from development levies in Johnstown over the years and it was time they spent some of it in Johnstown to upgrade the road so that it could be used by the school traffic.
She has also pointed out that there are three zebra crossings on the roundabout which holds up traffic and has suggested that a pedestrian crossing with lights be better suited as it would allow a number of cars go through at a time.
Video Courtesy of Orla Roche - Video taken 6th September
Another problem according to Ms McHugh is that trucks are using the road as a shortcut and some are having difficulty getting around the roundabouts which is also contributing to the delays.
Frustrated parents highlighted the lengthy tailbacks on social media over the past week and with the right turn (from Dublin) at the New Bridge in Navan town being taken away for the next two weeks, this is likely to further increase the traffic using the Metges Road.
Traffic restrictions on Navan's Inner Relief Road will remain in place until Sunday 23rd September.
To facilitate road works associated with the cycle and pedestrian bridge at New Bridge on the Kentstown Road, lane closures and traffic restrictions were implemented on the Inner Relief road on Monday.
Work is taking place on footpaths on the town side of the R147 Kells/Dublin Road, and include works to provide a new push button crossing at the Timmons Hill/R147 junction.
The restrictions include banning the right turn movement for traffic travelling northbound on the R147 and wishing to turn right onto the Kentstown Road (R153). A diversion directs traffic northbound on the R147 to the roundabout adjacent to St Patrick’s Classical School, before returning along the R147 to the New Bridge/Kentstown Road.
It is currently anticipated that the bridge and related works will be completed by the end of November this year.
A spokesperson for Meath County Council said they appreciate the patience of the general public and road users during the works and their co-operation for the duration.
Further information and updates will be available on the Meath County Council website www.meath.ie