Traffic to be re-routed in Athlone as night work begins on Church Street

Evening and night-time work will be taking place in Athlone for the next six weeks in order to prepare for the revamp of Church Street and the introduction of the town's new one-way traffic system. 

Storm water drainage work on Church Street is due to start this evening (Monday) and will take place between 7pm and 4.30am each night. 

Vehicular access to Church Street will be restricted during these hours, with 'local access only' and 'no through road' signs due to be put in place.

Motorists travelling through the town will be directed towards an alternative route via Northgate Street, Southern Station Road, Gleeson Street and Pump Lane.   

"The works area will be kept to as small an area as possible along Church Street and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Please note that, where possible, we will try to provide through traffic along Church Street," said Athlone Municipal District manager Pat Keating. 

In a statement issued to local traders, Mr Keating said efforts would be made to limit the noise disruption that will be caused by this work. 

"Every effort will be made to minimise noise by carrying out the majority of the saw cutting and breaking works during the first couple of hours each night," he said. 

The planned duration of the work is six weeks and the council said it would be keeping the 7pm-4.30am working hours under review "in light of impacts on residents and businesses." 

This work is part of the advance preparations for €3m Church Street enhancement project which is expected to get underway early in the new year. 

The council is currently assessing bids from contractors seeking to carry out the work on Church Street. 

Mr Keating said the introduction of the permanent one-way traffic system through Church Street would coincide with the start of the main paving contract. "This will happen after Christmas to minimise any inconvenience during the important Christmas trading period," he said.