Safety concerns on N3 Belturbet bypass raised

Full safety assessments need to be carried out at all junctions along the N3 Belturbet bypass.

The demand was made at the January meeting of the Cavan Belturbet Municipal District in the wake of two serious traffic accidents along the route in almost as many months.

Local elected members are calling on Cavan County Council to, once again, put pressure on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to implement full safety assessments at all junctions along the bypass.

There have been close to half a dozen fatal crashes along the route since 2013 when the €61 million, 6.7km new road and cable stay bridge across the River Erne first opened.

Around a dozen serious collisions have also been reported at various sections along the road, some resulting in life-changing injury for those involved.

Only last year TII approved plans to install turning lanes on the N3 between Butlersbridge and Belturbet at Annagh Lake and Drumsillagh.

However, Independent Brendan Fay says further assessment is needed, particularly in the areas of Putighan, the scene of a four-car collision just before Christmas that resulted in two women being treated in hospital for serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Speaking at last week’s meeting, Cllr Fay also asked for lighting to be installed at the junction to the old Belturbet Road.

In respect of the Putigahan turn-off, he claimed to have spoken with one local woman who was “in tears” and “afraid for her life” each time she attempted to drive out of the area.

“People are petrified,” he told councillors and council executive members present.

Cllr Fay once again told how his own wing-mirror was “clipped” as he turned for the Old Belturbet Road one evening. “At night, we need something there because people are taking the turn too quickly.”

He highlighted how there had been “two major accidents” in quick succession along the short stretch of road and how, a previous crash, left a man had been “maimed for life”.

“We need to consult with TII, they need to look at that report again,” said Cllr Fay, who was supported by his fellow councillors.

Fianna Fáil’s John Paul Feeley acknowledged the work done by council engineers John McKiernan and Alan Lyons.

He asked when the last report was conducted. He pointed out that, depending on the time of year, it might not reflect the full extent of traffic during peak times, for example during the school year.

Referring to turning lanes or ‘Ghost Islands’, Cllr Feeley said he could understand why some areas don’t have them, but acknowledged it would be “safer for all concerned” if TII would look again at appropriate safety measures.

His party colleague Áine Smith revealed how she too had been in an accident along the stretch some years back. She said that, travelling the road daily, she had witnessed a multitude of questionable driving behaviours.

“It’s coming at cost,” she said, before querying the positioning of a GoSafe speed van, which regularly parks on the new bridge near the Staghall roundabout.

Cllr Fay agreed it was like “fishing in a golf fish bowl” and suggested the van would be better positioned on the opposite side of the road checking the speed of vehicles on approach to Belturbet Town.

“To me it’s suicidal how fast some people go,” stated Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty. He added that the need for more junctions has been an issue on the N3 bypass since it was first opened by then Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar.

There was support too for the motion from Patricia Walsh (FF).

Senior Area Engineer Paul Mulligan accepted the points made by elected members, but pointed out that “driver behaviour” has a part to play.

He said that the report sent to TII “did not close the door” on additional junctions being added, but that it would have to be looked at again.

Regarding lighting at the Old Belturbet Road junction, however, he said it “doesn’t meet the criteria”.

“No matter what solutions come up, it’s very hard to put yourself into the car with another driver.”