By Sean Moriarty

Senior Kerry County Council engineers have promised interim measures to solve traffic issues near both the Lewis Road and Killcummin road junctions on the bypass.

Councilors have been calling for an action plan on two dangerous junctions for years following several serious accidents there.
Both Mayor Marie Moloney and Cllr Brendan Cronin have been pushing for a left turn only at both junctions to prevent traffic crossing the busy main road.
This would mean that traffic exiting Lewis Road would have to proceed to the Cleeney Roundabout at the Tralee road and make a return journey from there.
Traffic exiting the Killcummin road would need to go to the MD O’Shea Roundabout at Killarney Sports and Leisure Complex before making returning form there.
It is understood that council engineers are slow to implement this move as they fear it would encourage illegal u-turns on the main road between both junctions.
The overall area is subject to a wider plan, which includes the potential realignment of the Killcummin junction and the construction of a new roundabout near the fire station.
“We are bringing very positive proposals to Lewis road,” area roads engineer Paul Curry told Monday’s meeting of Kerry County Council. “We will see a lot happen in 2022.”
These plans also include a new pedestrian underpass, to be built on the grounds of the old St Finan’s Hospital to link the town centre with the sports grounds and housing estates on the northern side of the by-pass.
Mr Curry did not confirm if the left turn only measure was under consideration but added: “We will install more pencil bollards and increased signage,” as an interim measure.