Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce the official opening of the N81 Hollywood Cross Rural Traffic Calming and Road Safety Improvement Scheme. This significant infrastructure project is designed to enhance road safety and accessibility in Hollywood Village and its surrounding areas.

Located at the junction of the N81 and the R756 at Hollywood Cross, the scheme delivers a comprehensive array of road safety and infrastructure improvements. These include gateway treatments and signage, kerbing and raised central islands, new footpaths, pedestrian crossings, bus stop laybys, public lighting, surface water drainage, pavement renewal, landscaping and associated accommodation works. Additionally, bus shelters are also planned for installation later in 2026.

A key objective of the scheme was to address long-standing safety concerns arising from the absence of formal bus stop facilities in Hollywood Village. Research conducted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has identified risks associated with rural bus stops on national roads, including a number of fatal collisions involving pedestrians. This scheme directly addresses those concerns by providing designated bus stop laybys and safe crossing facilities, significantly improving safety for all road users. In addition to enhancing public transport accessibility, the scheme improves connectivity within Hollywood Village, providing safer movement for pedestrians and cyclists, contributing to a more cohesive and accessible community environment.

The project was approved by the elected members of the Baltinglass Municipal District in May 2024. Construction commenced in July 2025 and was substantially completed in March 2026. The scheme was developed by Wicklow County Council’s National Roads Team and was fully funded by TII. Planning, design, and construction supervision services were provided by DBFL Consulting Engineers, with construction works carried out by Glas Civil Engineering Ltd.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said, “I am delighted to be here today to formally launch the N81 Hollywood Cross Rural Traffic Calming and Road Safety Improvement Scheme. By formalising bus stop facilities and improving pedestrian infrastructure, this project addresses critical safety risks that existed and supports additional sustainable travel options throughout the rural parts of our County.”

Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, Cllr. Avril Cronin stated, “The N81 Hollywood Cross Rural Traffic Calming and Road Safety Improvement Scheme represents an important investment in the safety and wellbeing of our local community. The formalisation of a bus stop will allow for an enhanced bus service in the future, while improving safety for commuters.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, commented that “Wicklow County Council acknowledges the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the elected members of Baltinglass Municipal District, and all project partners involved in delivering this important scheme for the area.”