2020 Vision for Athy - Entire Document - Kildare.ie

It should also be noted that the Southern Distributor Route was unconstrained by pedestrian crossings during the
modelling process. The introduction of controlled crossing points at strategic locations will invariably impact on
the performance of this route.
This strategic assessment has identified the need for a distributor route to the south of the town. In overall terms
bypassing of the town can be considered in a sequential pattern. Initially the Inner Relief Street will provide a
degree of bypass to the town centre however its effectiveness as a bypass is limited by its location and ultimately
by increases in traffic flow. The Southern Distributor Route can be viewed as the medium and potential long term
solution. A further, more detailed, investigation as to whether or not the Outer Bypass option will ultimately be
required as the long term solution should be commenced as soon as possible.
This investigation should incorporate the effect of the proposed N9 improvements and should also address the key
issue of deliverability in terms of engineering and environmental impacts, costs, funding and timeframe to
delivery. The early investigation of these issues will facilitate a decision being made as to whether or not the
Southern Distributor Route should be developed as a local distributor or bypass route and the need to link it across
the rail line and river. Therefore until this issue can be fully addressed the Southern Distributor Route is considered
as a medium term transport objective, spanning the river and rail line, and the Outer Bypass is a long term
objective.
A review of the model should be undertaken at regular time intervals as traffic management measures and
infrastructure improvements come on stream. As the town approaches its design year population, it is recognised
that distributor links may be required to the north of the study area. It is not anticipated that these links would span
the entire northern expanse of the town, but could link key routes, such as the N78 east to the R417 Monasterevin
Road or the N78west to the Stradbally Road via the existing industrial park.
Athy IFPLUT Study 111 Final Report December 2004