Proposed closing of eight junctions on N17 in Mayo to improve safety

EIGHT junctions are earmarked for closure on the N5 between Knock and Claremorris in a bid to improve road safety.

Five new right turning lanes are also being proposed under the plans, which will be going out for public consultation.

TII have engaged with Mayo County Council to consider different options to improve safety in response to the high number of fatalities from accidents.

The junctions proposed to be closed are at Shanvaghera (Knock side), top of Barnacarroll Hill, turn to back road to Ballinasmalla and the road opposite it, road to Eskerlevalley, Castlegar junction, the bog road and Garryduff junction.

Five new right turning lanes are proposed at the road into Loughnamon, the old Knock road that brings you back into Claremorris, the road to Ballinasmalla village itself, which is also the main road to Cartron Cross, and two beside each other at the filling station and into the golf club in Claremorris, which involves moving the golf club entrance closer to Ballindine.

A fixed speed camera is also being trialled at Ballinasmalla junction, and a fencing retrofit programme on the Ballindine side of the new bridge on the N17 will involve replacing concrete posts with timber post and rail.

Local councillors were briefed on the proposals at a municipal district meeting yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon where they agreed that they should go out to the public for submissions, urging members of the public to have their say.

* More on the debate in our print edition