‘Accident history’ on old road a factor in N3 signage

Seamus Enright

Cavan County Council has defended its decision to not places signage directing traffic from the Drumalure exit on the newly part-opened N3 bypass into Belturbet, explaining that the “accident history” on the old road was a significant factor.
Despite local traders expressing concern that half of the town could be neglected due to the main access to the town being from the Staghall exit, the local authority says the signage in place is designed so that traffic can be directed “safely and efficiently” to Belturbet.
For motorists travelling from the Cavan-Dublin direction, signage on the partially opened bypass highlights ‘Erne Hill’. The only indication the town is there is when drivers arrive at the Staghall junction.
The Council insists this is deliberate: “The accident history of the road was a significant factor in prioritisation of funding for this project.

Safely
“Directional information signage is designed for traffic to be directed safely and efficiently to its destination.”
The Council says that from the centre of Belturbet (the Diamond) as signposted from the N3 at Staghall Roundabout is 1.2km. They admit requests have been received to provide a sign for Belturbet on the new road at Drumalure but that if acceded, this location would direct traffic to Belturbet centre for a distance 5.2 km on the old road “with its associated road safety concerns.
“Access from the roundabout at Staghall is the safest most efficient access to the town.”
The Council says it had engaged with the public throughout the planning process of new road, and will continue to do so in the future to resolve the issues of people concerned. All though will be done “within the constraints of road safety, and national guidelines”, the Council concluded.