Dublin motorists will get their first experience of increased restrictions to private cars on College Green this summer due to Luas works.
The Rail Procurement Agency is planning to have the 'Bus Gate' in operation from 7am to 7pm on weekdays by the end of August.
Currently private cars are prohibited from travelling through College Green during weekday rush hours.
The extended restriction is due to last until the end of November but unlike long-term plans for College Green the ban will not be applied to taxis.
Track laying is due to start for the Luas Cross City line at College Green on 20 July and proceed in sections down Westmoreland Street and O'Connell Street.
The RPA have said one lane of traffic either way will be kept open on the streets at all times.
However, the Luas line turns back along College Green and it is anticipated that by the end of August it will be necessary to ban private cars from travelling though College Green during working hours Monday to Friday and possibly Saturday as well.
It is planned to ease restrictions in time for Christmas shopping.
However, a spokesperson for the Luas Cross City project said works are now entering an "intensive" phase as work in the area between O'Connell Street and College Green has to be finished by March next year to allow for 1916 Centenary celebrations.
After that a number of other permanent restrictions will start to come into effect.
Eventually private motorists will not be able to travel down the full length of Dawson Street, to turn right off Westmoreland Street onto D'Olier Street or turn right from O'Connell Bridge onto Eden Quay or turn right from O'Connell Street onto Cathal Brugha Street.
