A recent sod-turning event celebrated the beginning of a major active travel scheme in County Fingal.

Jons Civil Engineering Co. Ltd has been contracted to carry out the Newtown Bridge, Balheary Road, Swords, Walking and Cycling Improvements Project, which will see the introduction of new traffic signals and traffic calming on the approach to Newtown Bridge.

The upgrade features include the introduction of a shuttle system for vehicular traffic as well as a widened footpath and cycle lane as a shared space for vulnerable road users to cross over Newtown Bridge safely. 

Other elements of the works include a controlled crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists crossing from the Broadmeadow Linear Park to the Reservoir lands at Swords Celtic. There will also be traffic calming measures on the approaches from the north and the south of the bridge as well as new public lighting and reduced speed limits.

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Eugene Murphy, Contracts Manager at Jons Civil Engineering Co. Ltd, stated: "Jons Civil Engineering Co. Ltd are delighted to be awarded the contract for Balheary Road Active travel Scheme by Fingal County Council.

"The key objective of this project is to increase connectivity within the community by promoting active and sustainable travel while enhancing overall road safety for all users. When complete, these works will introduce high-quality walking and cycling facilities and eliminate barriers to movement to enhancing accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and individuals with mobility challenges.

"Works will deliver a signalised pedestrian crossing, ramped access into linear parks and a new signalised one-way traffic shuttle."

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport and Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, were in attendance at the sod-turning event, marking a significant milestone in scheme.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, added: "I'm delighted to see this project underway. These improvements will make the journey to the park and to local sports facilities safer and more enjoyable, particularly for children travelling on foot or by bike."

For more information on active travel in Fingal, visit www.fingal.ie/activetravel.