By C.J.McGinley

WORK has started on alleviating one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in Letterkenny. It follows confirmation that the National Roads Authority and Donegal County Council are to put in a third lane near the Polestar Roundabout at the Port Bridge.

Within the next few weeks a lane is to be constructed along part of the Ramelton Road from close to Kelly's old coal yard to the Polestar roundabout. This will be an exclusive left turning lane for traffic travelling on towards Derry and southwards. Preparatory work began this week on the project.

The roundabout is one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country. At peak times and also after busy Bank Holiday weekends it is not uncommon to have two-mile tail backsas visitors return to Derry and Tyrone after breaks in Donegal.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Councillor Dessie Larkin, who has campaigned for the third lane, said it would go some way to alleviating the traffic delays.

"Traffic is choked at this location, particularly at peak times there can be tailbacks for well over a mile trying to get out of the town from the Ramelton Road-Ballyraine Road areas. I feel a third lane, turning left towards Derry will allow cars and other vehicles to filter through in a more organised way. A lot of the traffic going to this junction is going on towards Derry and other locations," Councillor Larkin said.

At tonight's Town Council meeting in Letterkenny, Cllr Larkin, will formally seek the approval of members for the work to be completed.

"There is some funding available as the council comes to the end of the year and it couldn't be better spent than at this location. This is a major pinch point," he said.

"Some preparatory work began this week and I'm hoping it will be completed in a few weeks time. Given the traffic volumes seen in Letterkenny over Halloween week this work is urgently needed," he said.