Bord Gáis told to work at night to avoid traffic chaos

By Siobhán Holliman BORD Gáis is to be asked to carry out its pipe works during the night in Tuam from now on.[private] The unexpected arrival of Bord Gáis teams last week exacerbated the ongoing traffic disruption caused by the Big Dig as numerous stop and go systems were in place in the town centre and its outskirts. Following a meeting on Friday, the Town Engineer has been asked by Tuam Chamber of Commerce to ensure Bord Gáis only work during the night as businesses cannot cope with further disruption to trade. Chamber CEO Sarah Roarty said they weren't given any advance notice about Bord Gáis' works and stressed that it is crucial that all works are known about and discussed in advance. It seems there was a breakdown in communication among officials with Galway Co Council and that Bord Gáis were given the green light to start working by Tuam's area engineer without the knowledge of those co-ordinating the Big Dig. The Bord Gáis work to allow gas pipes to be laid in the ducts doesn't require full trench excavations but pits still have to be dug on each of the streets, and this is adding to traffic disruption. It's also understood that the Council wasn't expecting Bord Gáis to arrive so early as the pipes may not be made live until 2015, meaning the work could have been done a year or two later. Meanwhile as the Big Dig reaches its halfway point Coffeys have indicated that work will start on Shop Street in approximately six weeks and should take between four and six weeks to complete. They say that an initial radar survey shows no underground hazards and that the reported petrol sumps can't be seen and must have been previously filled or removed. The digging will begin at the lower end near the bridge and Coffeys intend to reopen sections of the road as they progress. Tuam Chamber of Commerce has asked for a pedestrian crossing and this will be provided each evening and at weekends. Once work at Foster Place is complete, Tullindaly Road will be closed with traffic access to the town centre via Ballygaddy Road, Foster Place and Shop Street. It is unclear whether Tullinadaly Road will still be closed by the time digging begins on Shop Street. Work will continue next week on the Dublin Road between the junction with Stockwell Road and Athenry Road and traffic lights will be in place for the duration of the works. Works are ongoing to the Weir Road from the Killaloonty Road Junction and working away from the town centre. Traffic lights will be in operation whilst the works are taking place. Works are also ongoing outside Millstream Park on the Weir Road and traffic lights will be in operation for the duration of the works. Coffeys are currently working on the N17 (Inbound Lane) from Bobby Burke Road towards Town and Country Garage however two-way traffic is being maintained. [/private]