Strand Road next to Sandymount Strand along Dublin's coast. Source: Flickr/WilliamMurphy

A PLAN TO close the Merrion Gates railway crossing is among the major proposals that planners hope will reduce traffic in south Dublin.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has unveiled details of a planned overhaul of the transport situation along the Sandymount and Merrion to Blackrock corridor.

The area being looked at is the coastal area in Dublin 4 between Irishtown and Blackrock with more space for cyclists also a vital part of the plan.

Source: NationalTransport.ie

The cost of the entire project is estimated at between €40-48 million.

Much of the focus of the plans is on Strand Road which runs along Sandymount Strand southwards towards the Merrion Gates. The NTA notes that,

along Strand Road, cycling facilities are limited and it does not adequately perform as either a commuter cycling route or as an amenity coastal cycling route.

The NTA also points to traffic problems along the Strand Road, something that is caused in part by the Merrion Gates railway crossing at the junction of Strand Road and Merrion Road.

The level-crossing is closed for about 20 minutes each hour during peak times and this will “rise considerably” as the frequency of DART services increases.

The NTA outlines two emerging preferred schemes that are being put forward and both include the planned closure of the Merrion Gates level crossing and the conversion of the south end of Strand Road into a cul-de-sac.

Merrion Gates crossing at Booterstown in Dublin. Source: Google Maps

The plan would see a new link road built about 250m north of the Merrion Gates that would link Strand Road and Merrion Road. Heading southwards, the link road would swing right at Merrion Hall.

The link road would be built at the Merrion Hall building and its envisaged that it would cross over the railway line and would be unaffected by trains.

A number of different options are also being explored to improve cycle facilities towards Blackrock with a number of new road layouts proposed.

It’s long been proposed to develop a continuous coastal recreational promenade and cycleway from Sutton on the north side of Dublin to Sandycove on the south side.

Although much progress has been made on the north side of the city, it’s been less successful on the south side with the NTA citing “environmental and cost issues”.

Proposed road layouts for different sections of the route. Source: NationalTransport.ie

The NTA has described the new plans as “ambitious” and the State body is seeking feedback from road users and local communities.

The consultation process is open until 16 December and details about how to make a submission are available on the NTA’s website.

View the full proposal document >