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N83 BAILE CHLÁIR TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME

This project will transform Claregalway’s Main Street through a comprehensive traffic calming, drainage, walking and cycling improvement scheme on the N83. Designed to address safety, flooding and traffic management challenges in a village that accommodates approximately 20,000 vehicles daily, the project will deliver safer pedestrian and cycling facilities, improved drainage infrastructure, enhanced crossings and junctions, and a more attractive village environment. Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.


Claregalway-Friary-Aerial-Photo

N83 Baile Chláir Traffic Calming Scheme

Overview

The Baile Chláir Project was originally developed as a traffic calming scheme and forms part of the residual works associated with the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam Motorway project.

Located on a busy national route carrying approximately 20,000 vehicles daily, the project aims to improve road safety, reduce flooding, and enhance the overall village environment for residents, businesses, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Planning approval (Part 8) was granted in 2019. A drainage attenuation pond, designed to address local flooding issues, was completed in 2024. The design of the drainage network, cycleways, and traffic calming measures has now been completed, with construction contract documents being finalised ahead of the tendering process.

Why the Project is Needed

The project addresses a number of key issues within Baile Chláir Village:

  • Improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Reducing flooding on the Main Street
  • Aligning road design and traffic speeds with the village environment
  • Creating a more attractive, accessible, and sustainable village centre

Key Improvements

The project will deliver:

  • Continuous footpaths and dedicated cycle facilities
  • Upgraded drainage infrastructure throughout the village
  • Improved and safer pedestrian crossings
  • Traffic calming measures, including reduced carriageway widths
  • Enhanced junction layouts and road safety features
  • Improved public realm and village environment

Project Timeline

  • Tender Process: In Progress
  • Construction Start: Expected in Q4 2026
  • Construction Duration: Approximately 2 years

Construction Challenges

As with any major infrastructure project, careful management will be required to:

  • Minimise traffic disruption on a national road carrying approximately 20,000 vehicles per day

  • Maintain access to local businesses and residential properties throughout the construction phase

    Measures in Place to Minimise Disruption

    A range of measures are being implemented to help minimise disruption and keep local communities informed throughout the project:

  • Ongoing engagement with local communities, residents, and businesses.
  • Regular project updates will be provided to keep stakeholders informed of progress and upcoming activities.
  • The construction contract includes a state-of-the-art traffic management system with live remote monitoring to support efficient traffic flow and reduce delays.
  • Traffic impacts will be continuously monitored by the site team, allowing adjustments to be made where necessary to minimise disruption.
  • Potential diversion routes will be regularly monitored, with live signage providing up-to-date traffic information to help road users plan their journeys and avoid delays.
  • Construction plans have been designed and amended where possible to reduce impacts on road users.
  • No works will take place during Galway Race Week to help avoid additional traffic pressures during this busy period.

These measures are intended to support the safe and efficient delivery of the project while delivering long-term benefits for the Baile Chláir community.