In anticipation of the LDR4 link road opening from Clonmagadden to the R17 Kells Road in Navan Independent Cllr Francis Deane has called on Meath County Council to install cushion speed ramps on the Ratholdron Road adjacent top the housing estates of Silverlawns, Abbeygrove and Ferndale where “speeding traffic is becoming problematic”.
The councillor said the ramp had already been promised. Officials replied that the last traffic counts taken on Ratholdron Road in August 2023 recorded an average speed of 49mph and an 85 percentile of 60 mph. The posted speed at this location is 50mph. The recorded speeds are in line with the results in the RSA Free Speed Survey for roads of this type with a 50kmph speed limit. A new traffic management policy is to be presented to the next Strategic Policy Committee, they said.
If adopted, the council will assess future traffic management schemes in line with this policy to help invest in a way that delivers the maximum overall contribution to road safety. In the meantime, the council proposes to undertake further speed surveys on the Ratholdron road post the opening of LDR4 and assess the results in the context of the new policy.
Separately, MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons brought a notice of motion calling on the county council to begin proceedings to take in charge the lane at the rear of Mellows Terrace in Navan. It looked as if the current residents did not want the lane but they could only find that out if the council decided to bring the matter further.
Officials gave details of the process involved in the possible taking over of the lane. The council will now investigate whether the process can start, taking into account the views of the people who live there.
Cllr Fitzsimons also proposed that the council place “right turn” markings on the traffic junction at Pairc Tailteann for driver approaching from Brews Hill and those coming from Moathill /Navan Hospital to turn right in safety.
