Notorious Tipperary junction clears ‘Part 8’ process with new roundabout planned
Part 8 process complete for Turtulla Cross safety scheme outside Thurles
The Part 8 planning process has now been completed for long-awaited safety works at Turtulla Cross, outside Thurles, Cllr Jim Ryan has confirmed.
Announcing the news on social media today (Friday, 23 October), Cllr Ryan said the works will involve a new roundabout, new footpaths, new street lights, new signage and new road markings. “This in my opinion will be a huge improvement and will save lives,” he said.
Construction is due to begin early next year and is expected to take six months to complete. Cllr Ryan noted that the timeline depends on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) providing the funding, which he said the body had committed to earlier this year.
The scheme was presented to councillors at the July meeting of Thurles Municipal District earlier this year, where Clandillon Civil Consulting Director Tom Meagher outlined the proposed Part 8 planning application for the N62 Turtulla Cross Road Safety Improvement Scheme. The plans involve replacing the existing staggered junction with the new roundabout.
According to the proposal, the scheme aims to: provide a safer refuge for right-turning vehicles; improve visibility at the crossroads; remove the existing left-right staggered junction arrangement; reduce vehicle speeds through the area; improve future traffic capacity; create a stronger gateway into Thurles.