'Lucky escape' crash at Laois crossroads now set for safety roadworks

Two drivers have survived a high speed crash at a rural Laois crossroads that is now to undergo road safety improvements, but only if money can be approved.

The collision took place at Blandsfort Cross crossroads in Ballyroan in the south of Laois.

Fine Gael Cllr Barry Walsh gave details, while requesting the extra safety measures in a motion to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"There was a recent accident, a lucky escape actually. Someone from the Ballinakill side went straight out through the crossroads, they weren't from the area. I was speaking to them, they didn't notice the stop sign.

"Someone was coming the other way and crashed straight into them, at high speeds as well. So it would be great to get that improved and I'd love to see some further safety improvement works in that area as well. It's a very busy junction at times during the day. If we could highlight that the crossroads is coming up a bit further back, that might help as well," Cllr Walsh said.

Fianna Fáil Cllr John Joe Fennelly seconded the motion.

"Will the application for safety work include a flashing warning sign that there's a junction ahead? The same as the one in Ballypickas?" he asked. 

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"That can be reviewed no problem," the area engineer Wes Wilkinson said. 

He added that there are however "space restrictions" at the crossroads. 

The Portlaoise MD office has agreed to repaint the road markings. It will also apply for Safety Improvement Works funding from the Department of Transport for more works at the junction.