Dublin’s Deansgrange Road has re-opened for two-way motor traffic, and the new cycle path is expected to open within days. Making the road one-way permanently was part of the original proposal, which was rejected by councillors. When making the road one-way was needed for the construction works, it had been a conspiracy theory outlined by some who opposed the route that the road would never open to two-way traffic. That has been proven wrong today. The cycle path is the third design solution proposed after consultation and long council debates. Councillors rejected the original proposal to make the road one-way for motorists. That followed a suggestion of using an existing path in the Deansgrange Cemetery for part of the cycle route so that two-way traffic could be retained without affecting car parking outside the cemetery. The existing proposal is an adjustment of the latter route with the graveyard section removed in favour of removing the on-street car parking across from it. It was voted for by a clear majority of councillors, with 24 voting for it, 13 against it, and three abstaining. This progress on the project was welcomed today by Minister for State and local Green Party TD Ossian Smyth, who said that the cycle path is to be open “over the next few days” He said: “Great news! The Deansgrange Road is now open for two-way traffic. The cycle lane will open over the next few days. Dún Laoghaire is transforming into a safer place for us all to walk and cycle.” Jason Cullen, chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, said: “Deansgrange road is re-opened to two-way traffic and the cycle lane is only days away from opening as well!! This is the link between two of the active travel routes for school children in DLRCC, it’s super important for the switch to active travel.” On Tuesday, the Deansgrange Cycle Route, a group of local residents who campaigned for the cycle route, said: “It’s definitely a massive improvement on the old situation. Night and day. Most of it is lovely and wide. Still, work is to be done in parts, incl. junctions. We will wait to see how the x-ing works in practice. Exciting times!” IrishCycle.com has asked Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council why road markings are directing users of the two-way cycle path to cycle on the opposite side than is the norm. This will be covered in a future article. Quick peek at the cycle lane with @dlrcycling this evening Definitely a massive improvement on old situation. Night and day. Most of it lovely and wide. Still work to be done in parts incl. junctions. Will wait to see how the x-ing works in practice. Exciting times! pic.twitter.com/e4julOuUaV— Deansgrange Cycle Route (@BikeDeansgrange) April 16, 2024