Part 8 plans for a new active travel scheme in Athlone have been proposed by Westmeath County Council.

The scheme will be located at R446 Old Dublin Road, from the Ankers Bower Roundabout (R446 / MacDiarmada Road junction) and terminating just west of the

Creggan Roundabout (R446 / N62 junction), approximately 2.7km long.

Details of the proposed development include:

• The provision of a 2.3m wide two-way segregated cycle track one side of the carriageway, or 2.0m wide one-way segregated cycle track on both sides of the carriageway, reducing in places where constraints exist.

• The provision of 2.0m wide footpaths on both sides of the carriageway, reducing in places where constraints exist.

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• Reduction in road carriageway widths (typically 3m wide lanes).

• Junction realignments and the introduction of raised crossings on side roads to prioritise pedestrian movements.

• Straight through cycle lane/track crossings on side road junctions to prioritise cyclists movements.

• The provision of signalised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Upgrading of the Ankers Bower Roundabout, Willow Park Roundabout, and Wash House Turn Roundabout to a compact roundabouts with provisions for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Proposed signalised junctions at the existing IDA Business Park Junction and Athlone Business Park Junction.

• The provision of landscaping.

A public consultation has been launched for the development and any submissions and observations can be made via the council’s consultation portal.

Alternatively, written submissions may also be submitted to Planning Section, Westmeath County Council, Aras An Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, N91 FH4N and are to arrive no later than 4pm on September 1, 2025.