Work began in Summer 2023 on the Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route.
This scheme will provide a cycle-link between Drogheda Street and Hamilton Road in Balbriggan. The route will serve 3 school campuses at Ardgillan Community College, St. Mologas and Balbriggan Educate Together National School, as well as offering a safe cycling and walking route to shops, childcare facilities and community amenities including Millpond Park and Flemington Community Centre. The route will make travelling by Active Travel in Balbriggan safer and more convenient, particularly for children, older people and less experienced cyclists.
Work has been progressing on the scheme throughout Q4 2023 and into 2024.
The below video shows the progress to date (October 2024) on the 3km fully segregated Harry Reynolds Road Walking and Cycling Route with over 85% of the project now completed
Progress video March 2024
Latest updates
The project is approx.85% complete. The resurfacing works along Hamilton Road are substantially complete with only the ramps at the pedestrian crossings and the ramp at the cricket pitch maintenance access gate left to complete.
The next phase of the works will see the civic space adjoining the public car park near the Dublin Road roundabout constructed and the commencement of the upgrade works for the footpaths in Millpond Park. Substantial completion of the Harry Reynolds Road Project is envisaged by mid-December 2024.
Landscaping Adjacent to Church Car Park
Clearance works have been completed ahead of the nesting Season in preparation for the works to provide an enhanced, landscaped space with a built-in seating area next to the Church car park alongside Harry Reynolds Road. Follow the link to see how this area will look when finished.
Fencing Upgrade
The existing fence on the Eastern side of the road between Chapel Street and Clonard Street is being replaced with high quality fencing matching the one recently installed outside the Fingal Bay Business Park. This section of hedgerow will be removed to allow installation of the upgraded fence. New hedgerow will be planted here when the fence is finished.
Roundabout Changes
The roundabout itself is currently being reconstructed. It's new design will slow traffic on approach and new crossings at all arms of the roundabout, offering priority for walking and cycling, will make it safer for vulnerable road users.
Hamilton Road
At Hamilton Road a new set-down area for school buses has been added. The footpath and cycle lane are separated by a low kerb, designed in line with best practice guidance from the National Transport Authority, for ease of use by those who are blind and have loss of vision.
Also in line with best practice for those with disabilities, where there are bus stops on the route and there is space to allow it, the cycle lane and path join to become shared space so that people stepping off buses are stepping onto footpaths and not directly into a cycle lane.
Spring Works
Upcoming Spring works will include the removal of a small area of hedgerow next to the church car park at Harry Reynolds Road. This work will be completed before nesting season begins. New tree planting is also due to begin soon, with new trees on Harry Reynolds Road to be planted in tree pits. Tree pits safely control root growth to prevent future damage to the pavement and cycle lane and also allow for sustainable drainage.
