James Cox
Waterford is set to witness a fivefold increase in the number of cycling trips across the city under new proposals.
The plans are contained within the draft Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (Wmats) published today by the National Transport Authority.
Wmats has been developed by the NTA in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council, Kilkenny County Council, Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
The strategy provides a framework for transport infrastructure and services in Waterford over the next two decades.
The projected fivefold increase in cycling is set to be enabled by a new 100km of cycling track and a 54km greenway network.
Improvement to Waterford cycling routes
Among the primary cycling routes to be improved within the Waterford Metropolitan Area include:
- Abbey Road
- Ashe Road to New Street through Barrack Street and Newgate Street
- Carrickphierish Road to Morgan Street via Knockhouse Road and Gracedieu Road
- Cleaboy Road to Lower Yellow Road through Upper Yellow Road
- Cork Road to The Mall via Manor Street and Parnell Street
- Kilbarry Road
- Williamstown Road to John’s Hill along Upper Grange Road
The draft strategy recommends progressing with the development of a new sustainable transport bridge providing pedestrian and cycle connectivity across the River Suir.
There are also plans for 43km of new and upgraded footpaths, which is expected to see the number of daily walking trips in Waterford increase by 55 per cent by 2040.
Increase in Bus lanes
Another key objective of the draft strategy is the roll out the BusConnects programme in Waterford. This is set to include the provision of 63kms of bus lanes and bus priority measures across the Waterford metropolitan area.
Seventy-five new zero-emission buses and a park and ride facility will be required to service an expanded bus network spanning 100km.
The draft strategy also supports the relocation of Plunkett Station to a new site in the North Quay to create a more direct access to Waterford City via the new sustainable transport bridge.
Future investment in road transport will be focused on maintaining, renewing and managing existing road infrastructure. This includes supporting the improvement of the existing N24 between Waterford and Cahir and the N25 between Waterford and Glenmore.
The proposed Ferrybank Relief Bank would connect Belmont Roundabout to Newrath and help create an urban village within Ferrybank.
Speaking at the launch in the Granville Hotel in Waterford City, Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: “The draft strategy unveiled today is focused on investing in sustainable transport and meeting the needs of a growing city. From BusConnects to new walking and cycling infrastructure, there is a unique opportunity to promote public transport and active travel in communities across Waterford."
Public consultation on the draft strategy gets underway today and runs for six weeks. More here.
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