Client: Dublin Port Company
DBFL were appointed by the Dublin Port Company to undertake a range of traffic studies within the Port Operational Zone. This included a comprehensive traffic study to review all operational movements within Ocean Pier and Alexandra Quay which included numerous freight vehicles, general operational traffic, cruise liner traffic, train movements as well as pedestrian and cycle activity.
Further to this DBFL also undertook a review of speed limits within the Port Operational Zone and specified interventions to be implemented to support and encourage lower vehicle speeds through the Port area. As part of these projects, it was critical to gain a full understanding of how traffic moved within the study area, and in particular, how traffic movements interacted with each other. Comprehensive traffic surveys were undertaken as well as numerous site visits. Consultations with various key stakeholders was also undertaken. As part of the Speed Limit Review, DBFL undertook site audits to assess existing conditions, including driver behaviour and infrastructure associated with speed limits through the port. The audits found that an inconsistent approach had been applied in terms of setting speed limits across the port, with sections of road arbitrarily designated 50km/h or 30km/h speed limits and often it was unclear what speed limit actually applied on a given stretch of road. A review of the current regulatory framework for setting speed limits was also carried out to inform the proposed speed limit strategy.
The daily traffic operation within Dublin Port is very busy and complex. Internal companies operating within Dublin Port have specific requirements in terms of vehicle movements and operations with time being essential for loading/unloading and storing shipping containers. A key challenge for the studies was to liase with all internal companies and try to align vehicle movement requirements so that existing conflicts on the ground could be resolved. DBFL and the DPC undertook these consultations and provided a design that accommodated all internal companies with as little conflict on the ground as possible.
Similarly, as part of the Speed Limit Review, DBFL produced drawings detailing the proposed signage and road marking strategy, plus a schedule of items for pricing and installation by suppliers / contractors. This included ‘Gateway Signs’ denoting the main entrance points to the port, alerting motorists to the fact they are entering the port environment and clearly identifying the speed limit.
The design and location of the Gateway Signs were developed with consideration of the interfaces between the Port, DCC and TII road networks, most notably the M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel entrance located adjacent the Promenade Road entrance to the Port. The new speed limit signs were also supplemented with on-road speed limit roundel markings at key points.
Several driver speed feedback signs were also implemented at strategic points across the Port network. The locations for the feedback signs were identified following a review of traffic survey and speed data which highlighted points where average vehicle speeds were operating above the speed limit.
Project Director
