Traffic chaos due to closures and diversions

Motorists in Athlone are experiencing traffic chaos this morning after being diverted from one road to another where a stop/go system is in place, due to works on the watermains rehabilitation scheme.

The road from St Vincent’s Hospital to the fire station has been closed due to work on this stretch, but motorists are being diverted through St Kieran’s Terrace, where a traffic light system is in place due to reinstatement works taking place.

District Manager of Athlone Municipal District Pat Keating told the Westmeath Independent that the situation is being resolved this morning and the District Engineer has already been in contact with the contractor regarding the diversions.

Mr Keating said: “The problem the contractor has made for themselves and for us is that they have diverted traffic from one area to an area where they are doing reinstatement. They have been spoken to by the District Engineer. It’s unfortunate they didn’t co-ordinate properly. It is going to be resolved.”

He said new diversion signs would be going up shortly and the municipal district is monitoring the situation.