M7/M9 merge report identifies traffic problems

TRANSPORT Infrastructure Ireland (TII) recently released a report which provides recommendations to address traffic congestion on the M9/M7 merge.

Following a number of representations on this matter, Kildare South TD Mark Wall said that the report must now be urgently implemented to address the traffic chaos at the merge, particularly referencing collisions on the merge.

Deputy Wall said: “This long-awaited report is most welcome from many commuters who have found themselves trapped along the M9/M7 merge. The merge has been a source of major concern for people driving along this section of the road. I welcome the fact that the report now validates what I and many of my constituents have been saying for a long time – traffic congestion is causing collisions here.

“The report recommended the installation of additional advance-warning signage on the M7 mainline, which will provide earlier and clearer notice of merging traffic, improving overall driver awareness and to help in reducing the extent of abrupt braking and lane-changing behaviour in the vicinity of the M7/M9 motorway merge. Additionally, TII have also confirmed to me they have recently completed vegetation work within and around the nosing area to improve intervisibility between merging and mainline traffic.

“I urge TII to now urgently install the additional signage at the merge to ensure that we not only reduce the ongoing traffic chaos along this route, but to immediately reduce collisions and risk of collisions. We also need to view this report from a much wider perspective, it is just one part of a range of solutions that are needed to address traffic congestion on our motorways and I will continue to advocate for more solutions like additional investment in rural public transport, a real right to remote working for those who can work from home, and enhanced train capacity and frequency along the Waterford to Heuston train lane.”