A major section of Gurranabraher Road, a busy route regularly used by commuters travelling towards Cork city centre, is set to close to public traffic for almost a month to facilitate ongoing roadworks.
The closure will affect the stretch between the roundabout connecting Knockfree Avenue, Sunvalley Drive and St. Colmcille’s Road, and its junction with Cathedral Road.
According to a notice from Cork City Council, the road will be closed 24 hours a day, from midnight on Thursday, November 19, until the end of Sunday, December 13.
Motorists will be diverted via Sunvalley Drive, St. Enda’s Road and Cathedral Road, or alternatively via St. Colmcille’s Road, Baker’s Road and Cathedral Road.
The Council has also confirmed that access from Cathedral Road to the Templeacre Avenue closure point will be restricted to local traffic only. Access for residents on Templeacre Avenue will be maintained wherever possible.
The closure forms part of the major Knockpogue Avenue and Knockfree Avenue Active Travel Scheme, which has proved controversial among some residents in the area.
Earlier this year, locals voiced their opposition to the plans, particularly over concerns that a number of roadside trees would be removed. The trees are popular with local children, who traditionally collect the small fruits known locally as chessies.
Residents also raised concerns that they had not been properly informed about the scheme until it was too late to formally object.
Following the backlash, Cork City Council revised its plans, reducing the number of trees due to be felled from 22 to 10. The decision was welcomed by campaigners and local representatives.
As well as delivering a new 1.4km cycleway, the wider active travel project is expected to introduce a number of changes for motorists and pedestrians.
Original plans for the scheme include the replacement and upgrading of three roundabouts, new pedestrian crossings, road resurfacing and other improvements aimed at making the area safer and more accessible.
Based on reporting by Cork Beo and the road closure notice issued by Cork City Council.
