N17 bus lane moves closer to fruition

The long campaign for a new bus lane along the N17 on the approach to the city moved one step closer to reality this week – but it may still take two to three years to reach fruition.

The National Transport Authority this week confirmed that funding is in place for both Galway City Council and Galway County Council for this project, which would help ease the pressure on the worst traffic bottleneck in the city.

The plan is to provide a designated bus land from the Parkmore exit on the N17 inwards towards the lights at the Tuam Road junction – knocking at least 20 minutes off journey times between Tuam and Galway city.

And private bus companies believe that there is a real determination to provide this bus lane in view of the huge congestion that currently exists along the N17 approaching the city.

Pat Burke of Burkes Buses told The Connacht Tribune that this was a welcome move and he believed that the City and County Councils were under such pressure to alleviate the traffic situation going into Galway that they had to move on the matter.

The National Transport Authority have confirmed in writing that they care “currently funding” the City and County Council’s development along the N17 from the lights at the junction near Fleming’s Garage to the Tuam side of the Parkmore Road.

They said that consultants working on this project are currently preparing their proposals along with addressing concerns raised by the private bus companies who have complained about the delays along the N17. The consultants are currently in consultation with the local authorities.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.