One way system for majority of road closure stint in Glasson

The arrangements for the proposed five week road closure of the Low Road in Glasson, because of sewerage scheme works, are due to be finalised today (Wednesday). Westmeath County Council will be granting a "conditional" road closure on the N55 from next Tuesday August 4 until September 8. "We have examined the submissions and are putting together a response," said Barry Kehoe, Athlone Area Director of Services and also Director of Services for Roads. "We hope to maintain one way traffic through the village. But the contractors need to take possession of at least half that road so the minimum is one-way traffic." But Mr Kehoe added that it is envisioned that the road will have to be closed off in its entirety for short periods during the five week stretch, but said the council will minimise the inconvenience to locals and motorists alike. "Hopefully the disruption will be minimised," he added. The council is also hoping to cut down on passing traffic through the village to help ease the situation, and are placing traffic diversion signs in towns outside of the county including Ballymahon, Roscommon, Mullingar, Edenderry and north of Birr in a bid to divert the traffic from the N55. Mayor of Athlone Cllr Mark Cooney described the one-way solution as "marginally better than a complete closure". Senior engineers in the water and roads departments have been planning the best and safest way of closing off the road, while the pipe-laying for the new Glasson/Ballykeeran/Coosan sewerage scheme is carried out by the contractor. Once the council finalises arrangements today, it will advertise the road closure details in the national media this week, as the closure concerns a national-graded route.