Concerns are being raised over worsening traffic congestion in Waterford City, with motorists reporting lengthy delays at a number of busy junctions across the city.
Waterford City councillor Frank Quinlan has highlighted ongoing issues on Stephen’s Street, where he believes the current traffic light sequence is contributing to significant tailbacks, particularly during peak morning traffic.
In a social media post, Cllr Quinlan said he has contacted Waterford City and County Council’s senior roads engineer to raise concerns about the operation of the traffic lights at the junction.
According to the councillor, the lights are only allowing a small number of vehicles through during each cycle, creating delays for motorists travelling through one of the city’s busiest traffic corridors. The junction serves traffic approaching from Patrick Street, Bachelor’s Walk and Alexander Street, with vehicles from all three directions converging onto Stephen’s Street.
Cllr Quinlan argued that the current sequence is not adequately catering for the volume of traffic using the route, particularly during the morning school run when many parents are attempting to drop children to school before travelling to work.
“I have contacted the senior roads engineer at Waterford City and County Council to address the issue on Stephen’s Street with the frequency of the lights only allowing a few cars through, causing tailbacks, especially at school times when parents need to get to work,” he said.
He noted that traffic from Patrick Street, Bachelor’s Walk and Alexander Street all merges onto Stephen’s Street, placing considerable pressure on the junction. “The lights need to be extended to allow traffic flow from three different directions,” he added.
