Case Studies

Portlaoise Bus Stop

TEAM

Infrastructure

Sector

Services Provided

Infrastructure, Design, PDSP

Overview of service

ORS provided Design Services and Project Supervisor Design Stage (PSDP) services from feasibility to tender for the new 72-stop bus network in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. This project involves two routes, each covering approximately 7.7km through the urban extents of Portlaoise Town Centre. One route extends from the northwest to the northeast of the town centre, while the other runs west to east. The proposed stops include a mix of terminal stops, accessible stops, and standard stops to facilitate efficient public transport access.

We acted as the design consultants up to the construction stage, ensuring that all bus stops met safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements while integrating seamlessly with existing urban infrastructure.

Screenshot 2023 02 13 at 10.25.00
Portlaoise Bus Stop
Screenshot 2023 02 13 at 10.25.00
Project Outcome

The design phase successfully established the layout and specifications for all 72 stops, ensuring compliance with accessibility and transport standards. Our process began with a detailed desktop review of publicly available data to identify constraints such as existing roadside parking, third-party ownership, visibility from entrances, and site-specific stop requirements. A comprehensive site visit was then undertaken to assess potential safety and accessibility issues at each location.

To refine the design further, we procured topographical surveys for constrained areas, ensuring that stops were safely positioned with adequate space for pedestrian access, public lighting, drainage, and signage. Using this data, we developed a detailed set of drawings for each stop, covering site clearance, surface build-ups, drainage, road markings, signage, and typical traffic management measures.

A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit was conducted for all stops, with ORS managing the process and implementing design amendments where necessary. A detailed schedule of works was prepared in the required National Transport Authority (NTA) format, ensuring all relevant construction elements were captured, including site clearance, fencing, drainage, pavements, kerbing, footpaths, traffic signs, and road markings. This structured approach ensured that the design was fully detailed and ready for the tendering process.

Group 4987
Portlaoise Bus Stop
ORS EV Vehicle

Challenges & Solutions

The primary challenges involved addressing site-specific constraints while maintaining accessibility and safety. Through our desktop review and site inspections, we identified potential issues such as limited space, visibility concerns, and interactions with existing infrastructure. Our solution involved procuring targeted topographical surveys to inform precise stop placement and ensure compliance with accessibility and safety standards.

Coordinating the design of 72 individual stops required meticulous planning and collaboration with the local authority. Our experience in bus stop design, road safety engineering, and auditing enabled us to anticipate challenges early and provide cost-effective, innovative solutions. By developing clear, comprehensive drawings and specifications, we ensured that all necessary design elements were accounted for before tendering, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen issues during construction.

Engineering Excellence

Our extensive experience in bus stop design, drainage planning, road safety engineering, and pavement design allowed us to deliver a well-integrated, functional, and efficient public transport solution. By identifying potential challenges early and applying innovative design solutions, we ensured that the Portlaoise Bus Network was optimised for safety, accessibility, and long-term operational efficiency. Our collaborative approach with the local authority helped streamline the process, ensuring that the final design was both practical and cost-effective, setting a high standard for future transport infrastructure projects.

Leads

Key Contacts

  • David Mc Cormack Director
    Group 8501 2
    View Bio
    David McCormack

    Director

  • Damian Kenny Commercial Manager
    Group 8501 2
    View Bio
    Damian Kenny

    Director

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ORS has satellite offices in Tullamore, Maynooth and DĂșn Laoghaire.

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