The long-awaited refurbishment to the forecourt and station road area at Bray Railway Station is set to commence next week. Phase One construction works will involve the laying of the main stormwater drainage line for the project and will include works on Bray Promenade and Quinsborough Road. Welcoming the progress, Green Party TD Steven Matthews said:
“It has taken much longer than I expected,” said Matthews “but this upgrade is urgently needed and will make a huge difference to pedestrian, cyclists and commuters’ safety when using the bus or train station. Currently it is one of the most hostile road layouts in the town for any users including drivers. There is no clear indication for anyone exiting the station on where you should walk or cycle while buses, cars and taxis compete for limited space.’
“I have been assured that residents and businesses will be contacted in advance to advise them of how the project will proceed including how traffic and pedestrian diversions will operate.’
“The new design and planning permission was agreed in 2018 when I was a Bray councillor and I participated closely in design and safety improvements in this fully NTA funded scheme. The entire road frontage at the station will be reconfigured for pedestrian safety, with better bus parking and taxi spaces and provide a much more attractive introduction to our town for anyone arriving by bus or train. There will be wider footpaths, safe crossing points and clear cycling routes to the station and lots of bike parking. The design and layout of the paths and roadways will create an urban plaza type area with tree planting and seating.’
“The work will also include the construction of 2 speed tables and pedestrian crossings at the junction of Station and Adelaide Road and at the junction of Adelaide Road and Quinsborrough Road. This will greatly improve pedestrian safety and accessibility at these busy crossing points where most commuters cross when going to the station area’.
‘I have worked consistently with the Roads section in Wicklow County Council and with Irish Rail to ensure advance works, co-operation and agreements were in place between both organisations before the main work starts. There was lots of planning of temporary access routes, rerouting of drainage and services, and alternative bus stops and taxi stands to be agreed and now that is all completed.
I look forward to these works progressing and ultimately, visitors to Bray will be greeted by a far more attractive gateway to our town and local commuters, cyclists and residents will have far safer access to public transport, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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