Laois Council update on Portlaoise roadworks near busy schools and big estates

Months of work on one of Portlaoise's busiest roads which serves two schools and major housing estates are coming to a conclusion according to Laois County Council.

Roadworks have been ongoing during the summer on the Borris Road to improve footpaths and cycle lanes. The project, which began in June, has required a one-way system on a section of the busy road which serves several housing estates.

The road is also the main route to the St Mary's CBS / Scoil Chríost Rí school campus. County Hall said at the start of the project that temporary traffic management would be required to the end of September 2024.

With schools re-opening on a phased basis from Tuesday, August 20 the Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the local authority for an update.

Paul McLoughlin, Acting Director of Services for Roads in Laois County Council, replied in writing. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Picture of the Borris Road in Portlaoise.

"I can advise that the current traffic management arrangement is to be removed before Monday 26th August, after which 2-way traffic flow will return. I understand that a number of students will return from Tuesday 20th, and I acknowledge that access to the schools will be via the current one-way system. However, given the lower number of students attending on days or the remainder of this week, I am not expecting traffic to be severely impacted.

"Whilst works will be substantially complete, there will still be more localised works to be completed and these will only require small scale traffic management. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"Further works to install zebra crossings on the roundabouts at CBS/Scoil Criost Rí and Colliers Lane will continue for the short term, however, the contractor will ensure that traffic flow during the school term will run as smoothly as possible," he said.

Mr McLoughlin explained the purpose of the work.

"The extension of the off-road cycle lanes and installation of zebra crossings adds to the developing network of high-quality active travel infrastructure across Portlaoise. We encourage all schools to promote active travel as an alternative means of transport to that of the car.

"In summary two-way traffic will be operational before next Monday the 26th August with some ongoing localised works with minimal impact to continue in the short term," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

At the outset the council said that from Monday, June 17 a one-way traffic system would be in place through the works. It said traffic flow would be outbound only from Portlaoise, heading towards Colliers Lane.