Cork City Council is planning two pedestrian crossings in Ballyvolane

Cork City Council is working on plans for two new pedestrian crossings in Ballyvolane.

Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn received confirmation that the council is progressing a preliminary design for a pedestrian crossing on the Ballyvolane Rd at the back of Dunnes Stores by Meadow Park estate.

The council is also looking to install a crossing from Upper Kinvara Rd to the newly installed shared path provided by the Longview development, and plans to progress both of these pedestrian crossings through the planning process later this year.

These works will be in addition to the upgrades already planned as part of the Ballyvolane Strategic Transport Corridor project, which includes road widening, pedestrian crossings, new footpaths, cycle and bus lanes, and traffic calming measures. It is on track to be completed later this year.

Mr O’Flynn told The Echo that currently on Ballyvolane Rd, “residents in the adjoining estates have no way of crossing to Dunnes Stores safely if they want to do their shopping.”

“On Upper Kinvara Rd there’s two new bus stops and new bus shelters and new estates, but the residents coming from the estate have to cross over a ditch to cross the road.”

He said that the wider Ballyvolane Strategic Transport Corridor project “will be fantastic when it’s finished”.

“The project team is doing a very good job of listening to people, meeting people, and making changes that need to be made.”

Labour’s John Maher welcomed the news that the two pedestrian crossings will come before council in the coming weeks.

“One of my first motions was the pedestrian crossing for Meadow Park.

“The Ballyvolane community is a long time calling for this and it’s great that it’s being delivered.

“The crossing linking Longview development is another piece in the jigsaw of creating active travel along the New Ballyhooly Rd where we currently have over 1,400 houses being built.”

He added that there was more to be done, especially from Whites Cross to Ballyvolane, but said the new crossings were welcome and would compliment the planned crossing linking Gordon’s Hill to the Glen River Park to “promote active travel and make it safer for all to cross the road”.