Hard shoulder development confirmed for McGroary's Brae, Ballybofey, says Cllr Patrick McGowan

There's light at the end of the tunnel for cyclists and vulnerable road users as one of the most notorious roads in the county is soon to receive a hard shoulder.

For many years now McGroary's Brae on the Ballybofey to Donegal Town Road has been the source of much angst and at times danger.

It has been upgraded many times but cyclists in particular felt left out of the equation as no provision had been made for them.

Matters came to a head several years ago when a member of the Finn Wheelers Cycling Club in Ballybofey was almost killed there.

Since then the club has been lobbying Donegal County Council and local councillors to put pressure on to have hard shoulders added for safety.

The good news comes today from Cllr Patrick McGowan who says progress has happened with confirmation that a hard shoulder scheme is on the cars.

He said he and his colleagues in the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District have been informed that the council is planning to progress road works to McGroary’s Brae. 

"The works will provide a consistent road layout benefiting all road users, in particular, vulnerable road users in the form of hard shoulders and verges. 

"Donegal County Council is currently progressing utility diversions and associated works intending to progress this scheme to construction later this autumn.  Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is funding the project and there are approvals required to facilitate any construction award. “

The proposed lay out accommodating the new hard shoulders at McGroary's Brae, Ballybofey

He added this very welcome progress will be a benefit to all road users, especially cyclists and lorries and we all look forward to this final piece from Barnesmore Gap into Ballybofey being completed.