Challenge / Goal
The scheme is located on the approach to and within Grangemockler village on the existing N76 National Secondary Road, a route which facilitates the necessary movement of an average of 5000 vehicles daily. The village historically was subject to safety issues caused by excessive speeds and substandard provision of pedestrian crossings and parking facilities. To address these issues a safety scheme was initiated to look at all available speed-reducing traffic calming options. Further to the above, TII identified the use of the Grangemockler scheme as a pilot scheme for the preparation of Guidelines for RSIS in urban areas (DN-GEO-03030) & The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Villages on National Roads (DN-GEO-03084) that were developed at that time. These standards allowed for the correct identification of the Rural Fringe, Transition zone and Village core creating a more appropriate urban residential context for Grangemockler village. As part of the new scheme, a gateway to the village centre was identified, creating a buffer between the rural approach to the village and the commercial/residential urban area of the village. It provided an opportunity to include appropriate landscaping to enhance the environment and create a positive visual impression of the village for residents and visitors to the area.
The wide carriageway in the village led to vehicle dominance, with high speeds further contributing to this issue. Excessive speeds were measured both on the approaches to, and within, the village. The existing environment did not meet the needs of all road users, and there was a lack of provision for vulnerable users throughout the village.
Previously, crossing the N76 was difficult due to inadequate footpath provision, and there was limited comfort and safety for vulnerable road users in the village. Pedestrian visibility at existing crossings was poor due to the ad hoc and undefined nature of the parking facilities.
Solution
The project follows the latest TII guidelines by introducing "gateways" in designated zones to reduce vehicle speeds through engineered and landscaped designs that alter the road's appearance. This approach is combined with a multi-modal transport system, giving higher priority to active travel users such as pedestrians and cyclists, without compromising vehicle flow.
The aim is to create a safe, connected space that accommodates all road users. By calming traffic and improving infrastructure for vulnerable users, this multi-modal approach will reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety, and enhance connectivity within the village.
As the scheme is located in a 50kph zone, the layout is designed to encourage compliance with the speed limit. Traffic calming measures include landscaping, material finishes, and reducing the width of the N76 carriageway to moderate vehicle speeds. The corner radii and widths of junctions have also been minimised to slow traffic and reduce vulnerable road users' exposure when crossing.
Narrowing the carriageway has further reduced exposure for pedestrians and cyclists while still accommodating motor vehicles. The design provides clear visibility at all crossing points and access points, ensuring safety. Shared facilities are available on both sides of the carriageways to maximise accessibility throughout the village, and upgraded footpaths with high-quality finishes improve pedestrian infrastructure.
Street furniture is kept to a minimum to avoid clutter, while soft and hard landscaping serves as a key traffic-calming feature, creating a sense of enclosure that discourages speeding. On-street parking has been redesigned to be linear and set back, improving visibility at pedestrian crossings and enhancing overall safety.
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Log inTime period
Planning time
1 to 2 years
Implementation time
1 to 2 years
Implementers
Tipperary County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Tramore House Regional Design Office
Service providers
Tipperary County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
End users
All road users