R630 Active Travel Project to Retain Two Lanes as Works Progress, Council Confirms

Cork County Council has provided an update on the Ballinacurra to Midleton Active Travel Project on the R630 Whitegate Road, confirming that the route will continue to operate with two traffic lanes, as it did prior to construction.

The project aims to improve road safety and deliver safer, more accessible active travel facilities, linking communities, schools, public transport stops and local services along the corridor. The council said the scheme supports both national and local objectives to promote healthier and more sustainable travel choices, while maintaining the R630’s role as a key transport route for residents, businesses and essential services.

According to the council, the majority of construction works are being carried out within the existing hard shoulder and verge, allowing the road to function as normal for through traffic.

The scheme has been designed in line with the Department of Transport’s Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets and the Cycle Design Manual. It has also undergone an independent road safety audit to ensure layouts, crossings, junction treatments and visibility requirements meet nationally recognised safety and accessibility standards.

As part of the works, public lighting is being upgraded along the route to improve visibility and safety at junctions and crossings. The pedestrian crossing near Jacko’s Bar is being upgraded from a zebra crossing to a toucan crossing, allowing safer use by both pedestrians and cyclists.

Significant public transport improvements have also been delivered to support the Cork Bus Network redesign and planned increases in bus services across East Cork. Four new bus stops with shelters have been installed, while five existing stops have been upgraded with new shelters to improve accessibility and passenger comfort.

Cork County Council acknowledged that construction activity can cause temporary disruption and thanked local residents, businesses and road users for their patience. Works on the R630 are reported to be progressing well and remain on schedule, despite some delays linked to Uisce Éireann works and periods of poor weather.

Resurfacing works between Lakeview and Castleredmond are due to be completed by 19 February, followed by permanent road markings and the commissioning of interlinked traffic signals at Dark Road and The Elms in early March. The remaining section between Castleredmond and South Quay is expected to be substantially completed by May 2026.

Further updates will be issued as the project moves towards completion.