Introduction
This scheme will connect the Rathfarnham QBC on Nutgrove Avenue with the Luas and Bus Interchange, Dundrum and the proposed Dundrum to Blackrock Orbital QBC.
Objectives of the scheme
The intention of the scheme is to give buses “First Priority Right of Way” along the corridor thus achieving the following:
- Quick and reliable bus service capable of providing consistent journey times;
- Integration of the bus corridor with other inter-connecting public transport routes, such as QBCs and LUAS;
- Improve access between surrounding residential, retail, educational and employment centres;
- Attractive and comfortable passenger facilities with superior provision of information;
- Bus access that caters for the Mobility Impaired and Disabled;
- Improved safety for all road users;
- General environmental enhancements along the corridor; and
- A high profile “identity” for bus services using the corridor.
Proposals
- Provide a continuous bus lane on Upper Churchtown Road in the Dundrum (eastbound) direction only.
- Extend the existing bus lane on Nutgrove Avenue towards the Braemor Road / Upper Churchtown Road junction.
- Upgrade the Nutgrove Avenue / Braemor Road / Upper Churchtown Road / Lower Churchtown Road signalised junctions to SCATS control.
- Generate a time saving of up to 11 minutes for bus users in the morning peak.
- Bus lanes will operate between 0700 and 1900 hours Monday to Saturday.
- Provide anti-skid surfacing at all signalised junctions.
- Provide additional facilities for cyclists including ‘advanced stop lines’ at junctions and the upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossings to toucan crossings.
- Upgrade all bus stops through the provision of new bus shelters, kassel kerbs, etc., ducting (that will house the fibre optics that will provide for real-tie passenger information in the future)
- Alteration of the entrance to the Oaks. As part of this junction’s redevelopment, semi-mature trees will be planted to replace the three trees that will be removed.
Overall Impact of Proposals
The scheme will improve bus journey times and provide improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians and additional safety measures for all road users. Additional delays to private cars at peak hours are envisaged.
The scheme provides a more equitable allocation of road space between competing road users and improve safety for all.
Current Position
Construction of Upper Churchtown Road QBC was substantially complete in July 2010.
The drawings were on public display from Monday 4th February 2008 to Friday 7th March 2008. Construction of the scheme commenced in September 2009.