Sketch proposal of the proposed streetscape in front of The Way of the Cross Church in Togher.

New streetscape designs aim to create 'Togher Village'

New plans to improve the public streetscape at Togher Road's are being considered by Cork County Council.

The plans are the first efforts of the council to create the beginnings of a new, pedestrian-focused, Togher Village and aim to ease traffic congestion.

A number of alterations are to be made to Togher Road, in front of The Way of the Cross Church and the Togher Boys and Girls National Schools, including a redesign of the Togher Cross roundabout to a continental style traffic flow system.

A speed limit of 30km/hr is to be introduced in order to curtail speeding in front of the two primary schools and the footpaths are to be widened to a minimum width of two metres.

Map showing the planned changes to create 'Togher Village'.

Raised crossing points are to be brought in at each junction and at strategic crossing points along Togher Road.

As well as this, the informal street parking currently in use is to be addressed with a number of measures including an off-street raised set-down area in front of the church, and another in front of Togher National Boys School to cater for school use.

As well as this, formal parking is being provided on the east side of the road, opposite O’Connell Court, with one designated space to match existing capacity.

Landscaping will also be provided along the road enhancing the environment.

Three different options were considered for the Togher Cross roundabout with a continental style roundabout winning out the design phase.

In this proposed option the junction layout is kept as a roundabout but the approaching arms are to be tightened and the entry flares to the roundabout are to be removed.

Controlled zebra pedestrian crossings are to be installed on the Togher Road, Spur Hill and Lehenaghmore Road and an overrun area would be put around the central island to allow larger vehicles to complete manoeuvres.

The plans can be viewed at Floor 10 of County Hall and on the Council's website www.corkcoco.ie.

Submissions and observations can be made to the council in writing to Kevin Costelloe, Cork County Council, Floor 10, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road before Friday, March 22.