One in four journeys through Carrick-on-Shannon are for distances no greater than 3km according to a traffic study of the town.
The public will get a chance to ask questions on plans to by-pass the town as part of a major upgrade of the N4 this afternoon at the first of two events outlining plans by the design team.
Years after it was first proposed, the public will finally get a chance to see plans to significantly ease traffic congestion in Carrick-on-Shannon this afternoon.
The Carrick Dromod N4 project website has today gone live in advance of the two-day public consultation at the Landmark hotel this afternoon from 2 until 8pm, and it contains details of some of the reasoning behind the project taking the preferred route.
The Option being put before the public begins on the existing N4 within the townland of Cloongownagh where it progresses off-line south of the existing N4, north of the Dublin to Sligo railway line.
The corridor progresses east, crossing the R368 and subsequently crossing the River Shannon in the townland of Cordrehid on the Cortober side of the River Shannon over to the townland of Attirory on the Carrick-on-Shannon side of the River Shannon.
The corridor then joins the existing N4 again in the townland of Lisseeghan and progresses eastwards along the line of the existing N4 and ceases in the townland of Faulties.
The study into the N4 project has revealed that 25% of all vehicle trips analysed are travelling less than 3 kilometres in the urban area of Cortober and Carrick-on-Shannon - which the design team feel could alternatively be taken using sustainable means.
44% of traffic surveyed crossed the bridge in the town, with 36% of traffic travelling from Carrick on Shannon eastwards - and 16% travelling within Carrick on Shannon itself.
The study also found low numbers taking trains and buses and limited access to public transport.
5 serious injuries and 29 minor injuries resulted from crashes within the study area on N4 between 2015 and 2021.
The consultants also claim the N4 is a major barrier to river amenities in Carrick on Shannon
The plan also contains a provision to develop a new 'urban street' in the county town - linking the Castlecarra Road just north of St Mary's GAA to the Leitrim Village Road (R280), north of Lis Cara.
The next stage of the project is to apply to An Bord Pleanala for planning - with an oral hearing to take place before any decision is reached.
