Barrack Street to undergo complete transformation
CONSTRUCTION WORK DUE TO BEGIN IN A FORTNIGHT
The back entrance to the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, which will soon be accessible from Barrack Street.
CARLOW'S only boulevardsized thoroughfare, Barrack Street, is to undergo a radical re-haul with work projected to start in a fortnight's time.
Councillors approved a seventh and final draft on the upgrades last week when they held their monthly meeting and at which Brian O'Donovan, Carlow Town Engineer, walked them through the plans.
He pointed out that while Barrack Street was once the main N9 road that effectively cut the town in two, that's no longer the case after the opening of the motorway.
The easing of traffic on the street has therefore made way for the changes that will emphasise the street's grandeur.
Trees will soon line both sides of what is effectively Carlow's widest street so that the streetscape will be considerably softened.
The opening of a Barrack Street entrance into the Fairgreen Shopping Centre will also help the two commercial sides of the town to merge. It's hoped that the move will encourage punters to shop in both the shopping precinct and the town's original centre.
A mini roundabout will be placed at this entrance while the main junction where Barrack Street meets Kennedy Avenue will sport a full-sized version.
The pedestrian crossing that's situated at Thompkin's corner will be re-located to half-way up the street while work will also be carried out on ESB poles and cables.
Access and parking at Carpenter's Funeral Home will be maintained and increased to accommodate funerals while the council will also address the issue of derelict buildings on the street.
- ELIZABETH LEE
