Galway prepares for city gridlock

Motorists are bracing themselves for traffic gridlock next week on the eastern side of the city, as schools re-open after the Easter break and test diversions and restrictions in place around Lough Atalia.

The controversial one-way system and ban on right-hand turns was introduced on Tuesday morning, and received a mixed reception.

Some motorists complained of lengthy delays in the morning of up to an hour between the Huntsman Inn at Moneenageisha and Forster Street, the latter of which was at a standstill for several hours.

However, Galway City Council had stewards and engineers on duty at each junction to assist traffic flow and to advise motorists on the correct lane to use on the approach into the city.

By Wednesday morning, the new traffic flow system was being praised by many motorists, who said traffic was moving freely.

They were, however, conscious that the road network will be much busier from next Monday, as schools re-open after the mid-term break.

A one-way traffic system is now operating inbound on Lough Atalia Road and Fairgreen Road, while College Road is now one-way outbound.

See full story – with map – in this week’s Connacht Tribune.