North Strand Road

I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE A NEW PUBLIC CLOCK

October 1, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE APEX OF THE TRIANGLE FORMED BY NORTH STRAND ROAD AND ANNESLEY PLACE

A Clock, a Road, and Some Islands: Updates on the Clontarf to City Centre Project

I recently took a walk down the North Strand section of the Clontarf to City Centre road project and was struck by a few things. Firstly, a new public clock has appeared! It’s positioned at the apex of the triangle formed by North Strand Road and Annesley Place, a welcome addition to the area. But it was the bus islands that really caught my attention, and not entirely in a good way.

Bus Islands: A Cause for Concern?

As I explored this newly redesigned section of roadway, I noticed many bus users stepping out onto the cycle lanes without looking. This is a worrying trend, and it highlights the potential safety issues associated with bus islands. More on that in a moment.

Project Progress: On Track, But Not Without Controversy

About a month ago, Dublin City Council confirmed that the roadway between Fairview and the Five Lamps — including Annesley Bridge Road and North Strand Road — would be made two-way again from Sunday evening, 1st September. This is a major milestone for the project, which has faced its share of delays and criticism.

Most sections were slated for completion by the end of September or early October, with the area around Marino Mart in Fairview being one of the last to be finished. From what I observed, the section along North Strand Road, from Five Lamps to East Wall Road/Annesley Bridge, seems to be largely complete, with new bus stops in place. The same goes for the stretch from Annesley Bridge to Fairview Strand/Edges Corner. However, “snag work” is likely to continue, perhaps even until the end of the year.

Addressing the Concerns of Local Businesses

Understandably, some Clontarf residents and business owners have expressed frustration over the project’s duration and impact. There have been claims that businesses were forced to close due to the construction. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that these claims have been exaggerated. In at least two cited cases, the closures were due to retirement and pre-planned sales of the premises, unrelated to the roadworks.

A Closer Look at Bus Islands

Now, back to those bus islands. While they offer potential benefits like improved traffic flow and dedicated cycle lane continuity, they also introduce a new element of risk for both pedestrians and cyclists.

What are they? Bus islands, also known as floating bus stops, are raised platforms located within the roadway, often separated from the pavement by a cycle lane. Passengers board and alight from buses on these islands.

Why use them? They allow traffic to flow more smoothly past stopped buses, potentially reducing congestion. In theory, they also shorten the distance pedestrians need to cross traffic lanes to reach the bus. And importantly, they maintain a continuous cycle lane, which is good for both cyclist safety and encouraging cycling.

Not a new idea: Bus islands have been around for decades, particularly in Europe. But they’ve become more common recently with the increased focus on cycling infrastructure and sustainable urban design. You’ll find them in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, and even Melbourne.

The Safety Challenge

The problem is that pedestrians may not be used to crossing cycle lanes, and cyclists may not anticipate pedestrians stepping out from behind a bus. This can lead to collisions, especially if people aren’t paying attention.

Here are some key safety considerations:

Pedestrian awareness: Pedestrians need to be extra vigilant when crossing cycle lanes, looking both ways before stepping out.
Cyclist awareness: Cyclists need to be aware of the potential for pedestrians to cross the cycle lane unexpectedly, particularly near bus stops.
Island design: Well-lit islands with clear markings and tactile paving can help guide pedestrians and cyclists.
Signage and road markings: Clear signage and road markings are crucial to alert everyone to the potential conflict zones.
Making Bus Islands Safer

There are ways to mitigate the risks:

Raised crossings: These can help slow cyclists and make pedestrians more visible.
Pedestrian refuge islands: Small islands within the cycle lane can give pedestrians a safe place to pause before completing their crossing.
Warning signs and signals: Flashing beacons or warning signs can alert cyclists to the presence of pedestrians.
Education and awareness campaigns: Public education is essential to inform both pedestrians and cyclists about how to safely navigate these new road layouts.
A Period of Adjustment

It’s important to remember that the Clontarf to City Centre project is still new. It will take time for people to adjust to the changes and learn how to navigate the new infrastructure safely. Dublin City Council will hopefully monitor the situation closely and make any necessary adjustments based on user feedback and observed behaviour.

Striking a Balance

Bus islands can be a valuable tool in creating more efficient and sustainable urban transport systems. But their success hinges on careful design and implementation, with pedestrian and cyclist safety being paramount.

THE NORTH STRAND ROAD SEPTEMBER 2024

October 1, 2024 by infomatique

NOW THAT THE CLONTARF TO CITY CENTRE ROAD PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED

The North Strand Road: A Dublin Artery Transformed

The North Strand Road is more than just a thoroughfare in Dublin; it’s a thread woven through the city’s history, connecting communities and bearing witness to centuries of change. Now, with the near completion of the Clontarf to City Centre project, this vital artery is entering a new chapter.

A Look Back in Time

Interestingly, the area we know as North Strand Road was submerged beneath the River Liffey as recently as the 17th century. By the early 18th century, land reclamation efforts had transformed the area, and the road began to appear on maps, initially referred to simply as “the Strand.” By 1803, it had acquired its current name.

Over the years, North Strand Road has been a hub of activity, lined with residential homes, businesses, and important landmarks. Some notable points of interest include:

The Five Lamps: This iconic five-pronged lamp post stands at the junction of five streets: North Strand Road, Amiens Street, Portland Row, Seville Place, and Killarney Street. Erected in the late 19th century, it has become a beloved symbol of the area.
Newcomen Bridge: This bridge carries North Strand Road over the Royal Canal, a vital waterway that once played a crucial role in Dublin’s transport network.
Annesley Bridge: Spanning the River Tolka, this bridge marks the point where North Strand Road transitions into Annesley Bridge Road.
The Strand Cinema: Though sadly demolished in the 2000s, the facade of this once-popular cinema has been preserved as part of an apartment building, serving as a reminder of the area’s entertainment history.

The Clontarf to City Centre Project: A New Era

The Clontarf to City Centre project, nearing its completion, has brought significant changes to North Strand Road. The primary aims were to improve public transport, enhance cycling infrastructure, and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Key improvements include:

Two-way traffic flow: The road has been reconfigured to accommodate two-way traffic, improving connectivity and accessibility.
Dedicated cycle lanes: Segregated cycle lanes now run along both sides of the road, providing a safer and more comfortable experience for cyclists.
Bus priority measures: Bus lanes and bus islands have been introduced to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport.
Upgraded pedestrian facilities: Wider footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and improved street lighting enhance safety and accessibility for those on foot.
Landscaping and public realm improvements: New trees, planting, and street furniture (including a public clock) have been added to enhance the overall appearance of the area.

Impact and Benefits

The Clontarf to City Centre project has had a significant impact on North Strand Road and the surrounding community.

Improved journey times: The reconfiguration of the road and the introduction of bus priority measures have led to reduced travel times for both public transport users and private vehicles.
Enhanced safety: Dedicated cycle lanes and improved pedestrian facilities have made the road safer for all users.
Increased cycling and walking: The improved infrastructure has encouraged more people to choose active travel options, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable city.
Revitalised public realm: The landscaping and public realm improvements have created a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Reduced congestion: By improving traffic flow and encouraging sustainable transport, the project has helped to reduce congestion in the area.
Challenges and Future Considerations

While the project has brought many benefits, there have also been challenges, including disruption during construction and concerns about the safety of bus islands, as previously discussed. It’s crucial for Dublin City Council to continue monitoring the situation, addressing any issues that arise, and making further improvements as needed.

Looking Ahead

The North Strand Road has a rich history and a vibrant present. The Clontarf to City Centre project has ushered in a new era for this important thoroughfare, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. As the project reaches completion, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the road’s past, appreciate the present improvements, and look forward to a future where it continues to serve as a vital link in Dublin’s urban fabric.

NEWCOMEN BRIDGE AND NEARBY MARCH 2024

March 25, 2024 by infomatique

TODAY I WALKED FROM FROM MEMORIAL ROW TO MARINO MART

This subset of photographs show the area near Newcomen Bridge and as you can see there is much construction work underway.

Newcomen Bridge, located on North Strand Road in Dublin, is a single-arch bridge over the Royal Canal. The bridge was named after Sir William Gleadowe Newcomen, who was the company secretary of the canal company from 1789 to 1807. The bridge was originally built in 1793. It was reconstructed in 1873 when an adjoining bridge was built to carry traffic over the Liffey Branch of the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) line.

The bridge underwent significant changes in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was impacted when an adjoining bridge was built to carry traffic over the Liffey Branch of the MGWR line opened in 1864 by the MGWR Company and was subsequently reconstructed in 1873. The adjoining railway bridge was replaced in the twentieth century by a reinforced concrete bridge which retained only the rock-faced abutments of the original.

Newcomen Footbridge, a single span, steel, pedestrian bridge crossing over both the Docklands Railway Line and the Royal Canal, forms a critical link in the North Strand Road Cycle Route and the Royal Canal Orbital Cycle Route. It provides separate facilities for pedestrians and more space for cyclists on the adjacent Newcomen Bridge. This footbridge is a very recent addition, constructed to enhance the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists.

As part of the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3 project, roadworks at Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsborough are nearing completion. One of the remaining tasks is to resurface the roadway on the bridge and at the junction of Phibsborough Road, Prospect Road, and Whitworth Road. The work is scheduled to be undertaken over four evenings/nights, from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th March 2024 inclusive, between 7:30pm and 4:00am the following morning.

My journey began on Amiens Street, a Dublin thoroughfare that stretches from Memorial Road to North Strand. Originally known as “The Strand” in the early 18th century, it was renamed after John Stratford, 1st Earl of Aldborough (Viscount Amiens) in 1877. The street is a hub for Connolly Station, formerly Amiens Street Station, which opened in 1844. The Italianate architecture of the Dublin and Drogheda Railway station buildings remains a striking focal point.

From there, I travelled along North Strand Road. This road extends Amiens Street northeastward from the junction of Portland Row and Seville Place. It crosses the Royal Canal at Newcomen Bridge and continues to the junction of East Wall Road and Poplar Row via Annesley Bridge over the River Tolka. At this point, it becomes Annesley Bridge Road. Interestingly, a 1921 proposal to rename North Strand to Bohernatra (Strand Road), along with Amiens Street, was never implemented despite Dublin Corporation approval.

North Strand Road was tragically struck by four Luftwaffe high-explosive bombs on the night of 31 May 1941, resulting in 34 deaths and 90 injuries. Three hundred houses suffered damage or destruction. The motive remains unclear – whether it was retaliation for Dublin Fire Brigade’s assistance in Belfast, a tactic to pressure Irish neutrality, or a navigation miscalculation. On 19 June, Nazi Germany offered apologies and compensation. On 31 May 2011, a memorial garden was re-opened to mark the 70th anniversary of this devastating event, though unfortunately, it is currently inaccessible and the memorial obscured.

Next, I crossed Annesley Bridge, spanning the River Tolka in Fairview, Dublin. It honours Richard Annesley, 6th Earl of Anglesey. The original bridge was built in 1792 and opened to the public in 1797, with a later rebuilding in 1926.

My travels proceeded along Annesley Bridge Road. This route gained residential popularity in the 19th century following the construction of the original Annesley Bridge in 1792.

The journey took me through Fairview, a Dublin suburb with roots in 14th-century farmland owned by St. Mary’s Abbey. Fairview Park, a cherished recreational space, is a defining feature. It boasts vibrant seasonal flower displays, sports fields, a large playground, a skatepark, and tree-lined paths.

Finally, I reached Marino Mart. This blend of shops, commercial spaces, and housing lies along two streets, creating a corner with an angled block. Located in Marino, it reflects Ireland’s first major suburban development as an Irish Free State. The ‘Garden City’ principles of urban planner Ebenezer Howard found tangible expression in Marino’s design.