ROADWORKS in Letterkenny that caused motorists hour-long delays and tailbacks are set to complete tomorrow (Friday).
Major surfacing works on the four-lane road between the Dry Arch and Pole Star roundabouts created havoc this week as the outgoing route was reduced to one lane resulting in motorists being stuck in traffic for lengthy periods.
One motorist reported an hour-long delay when travelling from the High Road to the Dry Arch Roundabout on Monday while another reported sitting in traffic for two hours on the Ramelton Road on Tuesday evening.
The delays on the four-lane road also had a knock-on effect on the rest of the town with all roads in and out of Letterkenny experiencing major tailbacks.
This section of work has been ongoing since last Thursday and according to Donegal County Council, the work is expected to be complete by tomorrow (Friday).
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said, “Over the past week, changes have been implemented to traffic management to facilitate road construction on the Four Lane road.
“These works commenced Wednesday night April 20 and are due for completion by this weekend, Friday April 29.
“It is acknowledged these works have affected traffic during peak hours in Letterkenny.
“Adjustments have since been made to the traffic management to better facilitate traffic flow on the Four Lane road. On completion of this phase of works, this Friday, traffic management arrangements will again revert to four trafficked lanes in operation during daytime hours, two inbound and two outbound.”
Letterkenny councillor Donal Coyle said it has been a horrendous week for commuters but he is hopeful that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the four lanes will reopen on schedule.
“It has been a tough week for anyone moving about, leaving or coming into the town especially during the busy times in the mornings or evenings,” said Cllr Coyle.
“There is no doubt that people have had to put up with a lot of delays over the past week but when this project is finished, this road will be much safer for everyone,” said Cllr Coyle.
However, despite tomorrow’s scheduled reopening, there is expected to be another period of similar disruption in the coming weeks as the two inbound lanes will undego similar work and will be reduced to one lane to complete the project.
Cllr Coyle said the ongoing roadworks and delays highlights the immediate need for the Bonagee Link Road to alleviate traffic congestion in the town.
“I went out the Ramelton Road at 8am on Tuesday morning and the traffic was out past Tara Court.
“There is no question about the need for the Bonagee Link Road and bridge because even with the four lanes improved, there is still going to be major traffic congestion,” he said.
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