Major changes to the flow of traffic around St Stephen's Green were introduced yesterday to allow for the reconstruction of roadway adjoining the new Luas station.
Much of the road surrounding St Stephen's Green has been opened up to two-way traffic, while access to the west side of the Green from Cuffe Street to York Street has been closed off completely.
The new traffic system will be in place for three months, although Dublin City Council officials say it may become permanent if it improves access and traffic flow in the area.
Mr Brendan O'Brien, head of technical services in the council's traffic department, said the real test of the new system would come at rush hour today.
"Today worked out okay, although some motorists had problems finding their way around. We've beefed up the signage in the area and we'll be in a better position on Monday to see how it's working," Mr O'Brien said.
There has been a mixed reaction to the changes from local businesses at consultation meetings in recent months, although council officials say it should help traffic move more freely and improve access to car parks at Schoolhouse Lane and Dawson Street.
The roadworks will be part funded by the Railway Procurement Agency, the State body responsible for the Luas, and Dublin City Council.
Access to car-parks at St Stephen's Green and the College of Surgeons will remain unchanged from Aungier Street, while access to the car-parks from the Grafton Street side of the Green will be from Glover's Alley or York Street.
Under the new system, traffic for St Stephen's Green North - the Grafton Street side - will turn right from Leeson Street. Traffic from this direction will be allowed to turn right into Dawson Street, and to continue straight ahead to St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre and to access the car park.
Traffic from Cuffe Street will proceed straight ahead to St Stephen's Green South - the Department of Foreign Affairs side - around the Green towards Dawson Street and the shopping centre. Traffic from Cuffe Street bound for Merrion Row should turn into Dawson Street and down Kildare Street or Merrion Street.
Traffic from Leeson Street in the direction of Cuffe Street will continue to flow in the same direction.
All traffic from Harcourt Street must turn left. Traffic from Kelly's Corner will still be able to use Hatch Street to access St Stephen's Green via Leeson Street.
