New traffic system for Dublin announced

Dublin City Council has announced a major update of traffic controls for the city centre.

They new system of is designed to filter unnecessary traffic away from the centre and make navigation around the city easier for residents and tourists alike.

An example of Dublin City Council's new road signs

The council said it is hoped the plans will lead to a more pleasant centre city environment and act in conjunction with a number of major environmental improvements currently underway, including the rejuvenation of O’Connell Street and improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The new system works by dividing the city centre into different zones. There are two orbital routes around the city centre.

The outer orbital route roughly follows the Grand and Royal canals, joining at the eastern edge of the Phoenix Park at Conyngham Road and also at Ringsend. The inner route encircles the heart of the city and stretches from Temple St hospital in the north, to Pearse St, St Stephen’s Green and Ushers Island.

The idea is that each orbital is colour-coded, and each junction has a number, allowing motorists to easily pinpoint their position through new road signs. Around 500 new signs will be installed around the city in the coming weeks.

The new arrangements will come into effect around O’Connell St from next Monday, followed by changes around North King St on Wednesday. A new system blocking most access to Pearse St between Tara St and College Green will come into effect on Monday, September 26th.

Full details of all traffic changes are available from the Dublin City Council website: www.dublincity.ie