Abbey Road reopens just in time for back to school
Back to school for these young students at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Ferrybank.
Schools reopened last week, and students across Waterford flooded back into classrooms ahead of the new school year.
At Our Lady of Good Counsel in Ferrybank, parents and teachers alike were no doubt worried about potential delays and traffic due to the ongoing North Quays traffic management.
Abbey Road in particular has been the source of much frustration in the past year for businesses, residents and schools in Ferrybank. The road has so far been subject to various forms of traffic management, as the North Quays development continues to progress.
Parents at Our Lady of Good Counsel, however, were content with the current phase of works, with traffic so far flowing more steadily than it had been in previous months.
A major new roundabout is currently in the early phases of operation directly outside the school and the neighbouring St. Joseph’s nursing home.
Traffic lights and stop/go systems in the area continue to be manned, however, traffic flow during the first week seems to have improved immensely on last year.
Students were delighted to be back, with parents all smiles as they gathered for the first school week of the year.
Abbey Road officially reopened to traffic from August 29.
A statement from the most recent North Quays newsletter said: “Over the summer the North Quays infrastructural works have progressed well and are readily visible from various vantage points both north and south of the river.
“With the return of schools after the summer holidays, this newsletter focuses on the improvements being made in the Abbey Road area and the new access arrangements for the two schools on Abbey Road.
“The works on Abbey Road are significant in their own right, representing an investment of around €8m on new infrastructure for roads, bridges, greenways and active travel. The works, when fully delivered in 2025, will provide improved accessibility, safety and connectivity for schools, the local community and commuters alike."
The statement acknowledges that over the last year there has been a progressive evolution of the infrastructure along Dock Road, Fountain Street and Abbey Road, and that the works have been particularly intensive on Abbey Road as they are confined within a small working space, and this was recognised when the works were being planned.
“Accommodation works for the schools have been implemented during the summer holidays in 2023 and 2024 to reduce the interference with school activities. The full closure of Abbey Road for a period was also unavoidable due to deep opening works required for a foul sewer and other services.
“This closure was also deliberately planned during the summer holidays to minimise disruption. The Abbey Road closure will remain in place for the first few days of the new school year. During this time, pedestrian access will continue to be facilitated from both Fountain Street and the Christendom Junction and vehicular access will be provided from Fountain Street."
A new road layout is now in place and a new dedicated school access lane and set-down area is in operation outside the school.
“The new layout will be unfamiliar for those returning to school. Road signage will be in place and traffic management attendants will be available during busy drop-off and collection times,” a statement reads.
Limited and localised traffic management measures will continue to be needed at times until all the works are completed.
All road users are urged to be aware of changes to traffic management over the coming weeks, abide to the speed limits through the works, and to follow the directional signage and dedicated pedestrian crossings to ensure safety of all users.
“Your continued patience is greatly appreciated, and your continued cooperation is of great assistance in the successful and safe completion of the works,” a spokesperson said.
