Transport officials have ruled out installing traffic lights at the Windsor–Lower Greys Junction, stating that a roundabout is the safest and most efficient solution for the rural St George site.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, engineers from the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) said the decision was based on both safety performance and the unique conditions of the area.
Deputy Chief Technical Officer (Traffic Management) Jason Bowen shared that roundabouts are designed to slow traffic while maintaining continuous movement, unlike traffic lights, which can cause unnecessary stops and more severe collisions.
“In rural settings, roundabouts tend to be more efficient. With traffic lights, you may have to stop even when there’s no oncoming traffic, which isn’t ideal for a lonely road at night,” he said, noting that roundabouts keep traffic moving.
Officials note that roundabouts reduce the likelihood of high-speed, right-angle crashes common at signalised intersections.
The Windsor–Lower Greys junction, which spans St George and Christ Church, has a history of severe accidents, including a mass casualty incident in 2022 that left 25 people injured.
Deputy Chief Technical Officer (Projects) Dave Scantlebury said the ministry worked with local engineers, Caribbean Consultants & Project Management Group Inc., to evaluate multiple designs before selecting the roundabout.
The chosen design will include realigning the Boarded Hall approach by about 200 metres and widening roads to create safer entry points and clear sightlines.
Chief Technical Officer Jenifer King noted that the roundabout is part of a broader redesign aimed at improving both safety and infrastructure.
“This isn’t just about traffic flow. It’s about creating safer sightlines, upgrading drainage, and ensuring that vehicles can navigate the junction with less risk,” she said.
The MTW officials further noted that international studies show well-designed roundabouts can reduce overall collisions by 37 per cent and fatal crashes by up to 90 per cent compared to traffic lights.
“It is all about safety,” King said, reiterating that the focus is on safety. (SM)
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