M4 Bus Priority Scheme Opens Between Celbridge and Leixlip
Kildare County Council, in partnership with the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority and South Dublin County Council, is delighted to announce that the M4 Eastbound Hard Shoulder Bus Priority Measures Pilot Scheme is now operational, marking an important step in supporting a shift to sustainable transport on Irish motorways.
The pilot scheme operates on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 between Junction 6, Celbridge and Junction 5, Leixlip, permitting buses to use the hard shoulder during peak travel times The scheme will help inform the development of similar schemes across the country while providing an important link from County Kildare to the Greater Dublin Area bus transport network.
New overhead signage and CCTV cameras have been installed to allow full operational control of this section of the M4. The new bus priority measures will operate dynamically. When traffic conditions meet certain criteria, the measures can be activated remotely allowing buses to use the hard shoulder and continue their journeys more efficiently. Once conditions improve, the measures will be deactivated and the hard shoulder will revert to normal use.
Motorists are asked to pay attention to roadside signage and to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements. Unlike a permanent bus lane, these measures will only operate when traffic conditions require them. Taxis, or other vehicles, are prohibited from using the bus priority measures at any time.
Kildare County Council is asking motorists to:
- Slow down and obey all speed limits.
- Eliminate distractions and never use a mobile phone while driving.
- Do not enter the hard shoulder of a motorway unless in the event of an emergency or you have been authorised to do so.
The M4 Eastbound Hard Shoulder Bus Priority Measures Pilot Scheme was progressed through the Part 8 planning process by Kildare County Council’s National Roads Office and delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland Network Operations Team in conjunction with the MMaRC Contractor.
