Proposed road safety improvements on the N55 at The Pigeons highlight how targeted infrastructure investment can help address collision risks through better road design, visibility and access management.

The proposed €850,000 scheme was the focus of a public information session hosted by Westmeath County Council in Athlone. As reported by the Westmeath Independent, the works would cover approximately 670 metres of the N55, from south of the Three Jolly Pigeons pub towards Brackagh.

The N55 is a national secondary road, with the section at The Pigeons identified as a High Collision Location by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Westmeath County Council was subsequently asked to examine options that could improve safety and reduce the frequency and severity of collisions.

The proposed works focus on physical changes to the road environment. Plans include removing or reducing hidden dips to improve visibility, reducing the number of direct accesses and setting back roadside boundaries near junctions to create clearer sightlines.

The junction with the L-54711 local road would also be realigned and moved to a location with improved visibility. These measures demonstrate how relatively targeted changes to road geometry and access arrangements can address risks without requiring a major new road development.

For health and safety professionals, the scheme highlights the importance of designing risk out of infrastructure. Improving visibility and junction layouts can reduce the potential for conflict between road users, while better access arrangements can support safer decision-making for drivers.

The development also demonstrates the value of early engagement in infrastructure planning. Westmeath County Council used the public information process to present proposals and gather feedback before the project progresses to its next stage.

The project remains subject to detailed design approval, planning and funding. Construction is anticipated in early 2027 if these requirements are met, with the works expected to take approximately three months.

For contractors and infrastructure suppliers, the proposed scheme also reflects continuing demand for targeted safety interventions across the road network. Smaller engineering projects can play an important role in improving existing infrastructure where specific collision patterns and design risks have been identified.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: effective road safety investment does not always require large-scale infrastructure projects. Targeted improvements to visibility, junction design and road access can help address known risks while supporting safer and more resilient transport networks.

Source: Westmeath Independent / Westmeath County Council