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Upgraded works at the Lewis Road Junction which will include a new roundabout - are to go ahead – but it’ll take a least another year.
Serious accidents and loss of life have occurred on the busy road, which sees over 18,500 vehicles pass through every day.
It has a current speed limit of 100kph and is deemed one of the most dangerous roads in Kerry. On Monday afternoon last week, a motorist was caught up in an accident as the driver tried to exit the Upper Lewis Road out onto the busy bypass.
According to Kerry County Council the Part 8 Public Notice for the proposed works at this location will be published this month. On completion of this process, the land acquisition process for the necessary lands will be commenced and it is hoped to have the lands acquired and to have the Construct Contract procured by the end of 2019 with the works being carried out in 2020.
Cllr Niall Kelleher welcomed the news that the works will be going ahead next year although he says people are anxious to see it done sooner.
Cllr Kelleher and Suzanne Dennehy, whose sister died on the road a number of years ago, gathered 5,000 signatures, which were handed to Minister’s office.
“I’d like to see it done in the morning but land has to be acquired – it’s a large scale project,” Cllr Kelleher told the Killarney Advertiser.
“The speed limit review is gone back to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
“The speed limit will be reduced where the proposed roundabout will be back to Cleeney roundabout.
“The underpass will be a welcome addition to pedestrians and cyclists to allow them cross safely from one side to the other especially Legion and Celtic residents in the area.
“I can very much understand the frustration by the general public asking why can’t it be done straight away, but it’s with the TII and at the last stages – so hopefully in the next month or two.
“While the TII have committed to it I’m calling on Minister Ross and Griffin that once we’ve our job done that the funds are made available as soon as possible. Every day is critical.”