Martin Junction Upgrade

Client: Galway City Council
Duration: May to November 2019

Project Summary

Transport Insights was commissioned by Galway City Council to provide traffic modelling support and transport engineering design advice for the proposed upgrade of Martin Roundabout to a signal-controlled junction at Ardaun, Galway. The project’s deliverables sought to support an application to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to enable project delivery. The junction upgrade formed a key element of the Ardaun Local Area Plan (LAP) Phase 1 Infrastructural Works, by enabling sustainable transport access to Ardaun South prior to delivery of planned new housing.

Transport Insights developed LinSig and Vissim microsimulation (PTV Vissim software) network models of Martin Roundabout and key adjacent junctions on the national and regional road network. The developed models were used to assess the impact of the proposed junction upgrade on the operation of the surrounding road network. The extent of development that could be accommodated in Ardaun South following the junction’s upgrade and in advance of advancing other infrastructural works was also determined.

Added Value Brought to Project

The Martin Junction upgrade unlocks the Ardaun LAP lands containing ca. 164 hectares of development lands to ultimately accommodate 3,485-4,640 residential units. The network modelling undertaken by Transport Insights determined the quantum of development in Ardaun South that could be realised by this junction upgrade.

The main project deliverable, a Traffic and Transport Assessment (TTA) Report, supported a successful URDF application for delivery of Ardaun LAP Phase 1 Infrastructural Works. Construction works have since been completed and the upgraded junction, with a construction cost of ca. €6 million, has been operational since mid-2023.

background image: Galway City Council