Delays expected when Callan crossing works begin

Phase two of a plan to improve pedestrian safety in the centre of Callan is due to get underway this month.

Pedestrian crossings were designed and planned for both ends of Bridge Street, last year. The crossings at Lower Bridge Street, near Coláiste Abhainn Rí, are complete.

Pedestrian crossings at the Upper Bridge Street/ West Street/ Mill Street junction are now due to be installed in the coming weeks.

Area engineer, Declan Murphy, told local councillors that there has been a delay of about two weeks in the start of the work because the contractors are waiting for materials to be delivered. Limestone kerbs and paving to be used in the project has not yet been delivered.

Speaking at the Callan Thomastown Municipal District meeting, Mr Murphy warned that there will be a “little bit of disruption” during the works, but efforts will be made to keep this to a minimum. 

He expects work to begin towards the end of January. 

Meanwhile, the works planned to remodel Bridge Street, which did not take place last year when tenders proved too costly, will be looked at again this year.

Following a query from Cllr Joe Lyons, Mr Murphy said whether the project will go ahead will come down to funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA). At the moment he has no idea what this will be, they will just have to wait and see.