Permanent traffic closure of Athlone street takes effect

A major permanent change to traffic flow in the centre of Athlone has taken effect as work to pedestrianise part of Sean Costello Street gets underway.

Today (Tuesday), traffic was closed permanently between Dunnes Stores/Flannery's pub and the former Ulster Bank premises on Mardyke Street.

A multi-million euro streetscape revamp in the centre of town has been taking place since March, and previously resulted in Mardyke Street being shut to traffic for just over six months.

The project is now moving into a new phase as the 90-metre section of Sean Costello Street, which was once part of the main road between Dublin and Galway, is being redeveloped for pedestrian access only.

* For more, see tomorrow's Westmeath Independent