Wilton residents say council has failed to resolve traffic problems

RESIDENTS in Wilton have hit out at Cork City Council for failing to take action after a number of traffic problems in the area.

A local residents' group say that they face constant problems, including high volumes of traffic, being blocked in their homes by parked vehicles and cyclists using footpaths.

A controversial bus lane, added in 2003, has exacerbated the problems on one of the city's busiest roads, according to the group.

Speaking out after two more accidents on the Wilton Road in recent days, Wilton Residents' Group spokesperson John Leahy said that drastic changes are needed on the road.

Later this year, a multi-million plan to upgrade the busy road network close to CUH and CIT will commence, with elements including the widening of the Dennehy's Cross junction, the addition of pedestrian crossings and the installation of signals at the Wilton roundabout.

Mr Leahy said the latest incidents happened during the busy evening rush.

"According to eye witnesses, one accident involved a pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road at the non-existent pedestrian crossings just before the roundabout.

"The obvious danger to pedestrians crossing at the roundabout has been highlighted constantly by this group over a decade."

A second accident involved a truck and a car colliding on the roundabout. The emergency services were called, prompting delays in traffic flow in the area.

Residents say they are just the latest in more than 100 accidents that have happened in the area since the addition of the bus lane in 2003.

In recent weeks, a series of roadworks throughout the area have caused further headaches for motorists.

The Curraheen road bridge works are continuing until late August, with diversions due to remain in place for hundreds of motorists until August 27.

Next week, the N71 Bandon Road is due to close at the viaduct to allow for the construction of a new flood culvert under the road, while construction works on a new supermarket on the Wilton Road are posing further issues for motorists in the area.