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Key Dublin public-transport routes will be overhauled under the €2 billion Bus Connects scheme published today, which the National Transport Authority says will almost halve some commuting times.
The plan involves upgrading 16 core bus routes into the city, from Swords in the north to Lucan in the west and Bray in the south. The authority says its help for residents on affected roads will include paying for the landscaping of new gardens and trying to find alternative parking for them.
Clongriffin to city centre
As Malahide Road narrows between Fairview and Griffith Avenue, the scheme proposes to reroute cyclists via Brian Road and Charleton Road.
Swords to city centre
Bus lanes are proposed in both directions on Swords Road in Santry, from Shanrath Road to Omni Park shopping centre. This would make the street one-way for general traffic, with inbound vehicles routed via Coolock Lane and Santry Bypass. A new slip road would be incorporated to link the southbound Santry Bypass to Shantalla Road.
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Finglas to Phibsborough
Narrow roads and the turning system at Hart’s Corner make it difficult to provide continuous bus and cycle lanes.
Ballymun to city centre
To allow a bus lane in each direction on St Mobhi Road without removing trees, outbound general traffic could be routed via Botanic Road, Glasnevin Road and Ballymun Road. St Mobhi Road would become one-way southbound for general traffic while allowing residents to use the bus lane to access the road northbound.
Blanchardstown to city centre
General through traffic would be removed from Old Cabra Road and Prussia Street in order to provide bus lanes. Local access would be maintained, including to the shopping centre.
Lucan to city centre
The provision of continuous bus lanes through the M50 junction may affect overall traffic capacity at this interchange.
Liffey Valley to city centre
Mount Brown and Old Kilmainham Road are too narrow for both bus lanes and general traffic lanes. Mount Brown would therefore be restricted to public transport, cyclists and local access. Through traffic would have to be diverted via the Liffey quays or South Circular Road.
As Ballyfermot Road between Le Fanu Road and Kylemore Road is also too narrow, one option would be to divert inbound traffic via Le Fanu Road and Kylemore Road.
Clondalkin to Drimnagh
Bus lanes could be accommodated at the M50 underpass by routing cyclists on to the Grand Canal greenway.
Greenhills to city centre
New link roads would be built to divert all traffic via Calmount Avenue and Calmount Road while maintaining access to the old section of Greenhills Road.
Kimmage to city centre
Kimmage Road Lower between Sundrive Road and Harold’s Cross would be limited to buses, bicycles and taxis. Through traffic would be diverted via Larkfield Park and Harold’s Cross Road or via Sundrive Road and Clogher Road.
Tallaght to Terenure
Templeogue Road would become one-way outbound for general traffic while permitting taxis, buses and bicycles to travel in both directions. Inbound general traffic would divert via Cypress Grove Road or via Springfield Road to Rathfarnham Road.
Rathfarnham to city centre
The pavements on Rathmines Road would have to be narrowed to make room for one bus lane and one traffic lane in each direction. An alternative would be to divert outbound traffic via Ranelagh and make Rathmines Road one-way for general traffic, in addition to providing two bus lanes.
Bray to city centre
Shankill village has very limited road space, making bus and cycle provision very challenging. Cyclists could be diverted around the village via a series of quiet routes and new cycling lanes to the east.
UCD Ballsbridge to city centre
A number of significant junction reconfigurations would be required, together with some traffic restrictions.
Blackrock to Merrion
Challenges include Rock Road’s proximity to Booterstown Marsh, an environmentally sensitive area, and the layout of the Merrion Gates junction, which includes a level crossing.
Ringsend to city centre
Will require the introduction of a contraflow bus lane on City Quay. Restricted width at the Scherzer lifting bridges, which are protected structures. A new bridge is required over the River Dodder at the east end of Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.
New fare structure
The report also says a new ticketing system will allow passengers to pay their fares more easily, using credit cards and mobile phones; a cashless payment system will also speed up boarding times. Fare structures will be simplified and allow for easier movement between different transport services without the current financial penalty.