R498 Active Travel Project at Castlemeadows, Co. Tipperary

The proposed improvement works on the R498 in Thurles will commence at the Technology University of the Shannon Roundabout and extend to the Bohernanave Junction. The 1.5-meter wide raised cycle tracks will be constructed between the R498 carriageway and the existing footpaths on both sides of the R498. These cycle lanes will extend around the Technology University of the Shannon Roundabout to connect with existing cycle lanes on Racecourse Road. The existing road lanes will be narrowed to provide 3.25-meter wide traffic lanes, slowing vehicle speeds and providing additional width for cyclist and pedestrian facilities. Junctions will be narrowed by reducing the existing corner radii where excess width is currently provided. Existing footpaths will be widened to a minimum width of 1.8 meters. The footpath outside the Greyhound Stadium entrance will be widened or moved to match the existing stone paving type in that area. Part of the existing verge will be excavated to allow for the construction of the proposed cycle and pedestrian facilities. The cycle tracks will have an asphalt surface, while the footpaths will have a concrete surface finish. Proposed drainage improvements will generally involve moving existing gullies to the new kerb line and providing new gullies where required. A new set-down area will be constructed between the Coláiste Mhuire boundary wall and the R498. This area will allow buses and cars to enter adjacent to the existing Coláiste Mhuire entrance, drive one-way through the area, and exit onto the existing Coláiste Mhuire exit. Parking will be provided for school buses on the south side of the set-down area and for cars along the north side. The area in front of the Teagasc entrance will be separated from the Coláiste Mhuire entrance with a footpath and planted area, with car parking spaces for five vehicles provided immediately north of the entrance. New uncontrolled pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided on Bohernanave, at the exit from Coláiste Mhuire and at the entry to the proposed bus set-down area at Coláiste Mhuire. Controlled pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided at each approach road to the Technology University of the Shannon Roundabout. Additional or altered landscaping will be provided outside the Teagasc entrance, adjacent to the entrance to the proposed bus set-down area, and in areas bordering the roundabout carriageway. The public lighting along the R498 is proposed to be broadly maintained, with additional lighting provided in areas where the current provision is inadequate. Where the proposed cycle tracks end at the scheme extents, advance warning signs will be provided to indicate the end of the cycle tracks. The scope of works requires improvements along the R498 will include the following: • Site clearance. • Provision of 700 meters of 1.5-meter wide raised cycle tracks from the Technology University of the Shannon Roundabout to the R498/Bohernanave Junction. • Upgrading of the existing footpaths from the Technology University of the Shannon Roundabout to the R498/Bohernanave Junction, ensuring minimum footpath widths of 1.8 meters. • Construction of a new vehicle set-down area adjacent to Coláiste Mhuire. • Improvements to entrances and accesses to businesses and residential properties. • Reduction in the width of the R498 traffic lanes to 3.25 meters to reduce vehicle speeds. • Installation of controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian and cyclist road crossings. • Reduction in junction widths to decrease crossing times and distances. • Installation of new artwork celebrating Thurles as the birthplace of the GAA at the entrance to Semple Stadium, which may be illuminated at night. • All associated ancillary works.