NEAR THE STATION

ARDEEVIN ROAD AND NEARBY

Today was my first time to explore Ardeevin Road on which there is an entrance to Dalkey Railway Station. I usually exit via Sorrento Drive.

I also explored Railway Road a relatively short curved road running on a north-south orientation rising to the south. The street runs from the junction of Castle Street, Coliemore Road, Tubbermore Road and St. Patrickā€Ÿs Avenue south to the railway station, before veering west at a 90-degree angle terminating at the railway bridge which I discuss below.

Dalkey Train Station is a charming station located in the coastal town of Dalkey, south of Dublin city centre. It serves the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) line, providing frequent connections to various destinations along the coast and into the city. The station itself has a classic design, reflecting the architectural style of the area.

In recent years, Dalkey Train Station has undergone a significant upgrade to improve accessibility. This includes the installation of a new footbridge with lifts in early 2023, in addition to the existing one. The new footbridge is located towards the south end of the station and provides step-free access to both platforms, making it much easier for people with mobility issues, parents with prams, or those carrying heavy luggage to navigate the station. The older footbridge, located towards the north end of the station, is still in place and can still be used by passengers.

Sorrento Drive is a small cul-de-sac located just off Sorrento Road and is the closest point to the Dalkey DART station. Sorrento Drive is a quiet residential street known for its beautiful houses and proximity to the sea. As it's a cul-de-sac, there isn't much through traffic, making it a peaceful place to live. Many of the properties on Sorrento Drive have been updated and modernised in recent years, but the street still retains its original charm.

Adreevin Road runs parallel to the train tracks and provides access to residential properties and some businesses in the area. It's a relatively quiet road with a mix of housing styles.

There is a bridge across the tracks which I never paid any attention to until today when I noticed a number a cars delayed for about three of four minutes at the bottom of Railway Road.

The bridge, which does not appear to have a name, is a single-lane bridge with traffic lights at either end to control the flow of traffic. This is due to the narrowness of the bridge, which does not allow for two-way traffic.

The traffic lights operate on a simple system:

Railway Road side: When the light is green, vehicles from Railway Road can proceed onto the bridge.

Adreevin Road side: The light on Adreevin Road will be red during this time, preventing vehicles from entering the bridge.

Lights change: After a set time, the lights will change. The light on Railway Road will turn red, stopping any further traffic from that side, and the light on Adreevin Road will turn green, allowing vehicles to cross the bridge from that direction.

This alternating system ensures that only one direction of traffic is on the bridge at a time, preventing any potential collisions or congestion.

While there isn't much publicly available information specifically about the history of this bridge, it's likely that it was originally built to accommodate a smaller volume of traffic than it currently experiences. As traffic in the area has increased over the years, the single-lane configuration has become a necessity.

Despite the traffic lights, the bridge remains an essential part of the local infrastructure, connecting two important roads in Dalkey. While it may cause some minor delays, the traffic control system ensures the safe and efficient movement of vehicles.