Contractor sought for Frenchpark junction safety works

A contractor is being sought to carry out the long-awaited junction safety works in the middle of Frenchpark village.

The junction, located on the N5 in the middle of Frenchpark village, intersects the R361 Boyle to Castlerea road, and has been the scene of numerous road traffic accidents in recent years.

Roscommon County Council recently advertised the tender for the road safety improvement scheme on the Government’s e-tender website. The opening date for tenders was published recently, and the successful contractor will have a two-month contract to carry out the works.

The main features of the proposed traffic safety scheme include the provision of signal controlled traffic lights, pedestrian crossing facilities, new footpaths, kerbing and road surfacing.

The traffic signal control system will incorporate signalised pedestrian crossings at all legs of the junction. The pedestrian crossings will operate by controlled push button, and there will be new signage installed for the diversion of heavy goods vehicles at and in advance of the L5638.

This proposed alternative route would require HGVs to turn left onto the L5638 and re-join the N5 320 metres east of the junction.

During the public consultation phase, the council said the scheme, once complete, will provide a safe and efficient means for vehicles on the R361 to enter and exit the junction with the N5; provide a safe environment for pedestrians; address the needs of all vehicle types in a safe manner, particularly heavy goods vehicles, and encourage active travel by providing safe facilities for vulnerable road users.

In the Part 8 documents, the council note that these works comprise interim safety measures. They “are considered to be advanced works prior to the re-designation of junction priority in Frenchpark as part of the overall N5 scheme, and are to be designed and constructed in such a way that further alterations are kept to a minimum when the time comes”.

The local authority also outlined in the Part 8 documents that traffic management will be required during construction work, and it is likely that the R361 will be reduced to single lane traffic with traffic controls in place.

Councillors signed off on the project in September and the estimated cost of the works is €300,000 excluding VAT.