Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced that the construction of long-promised flyovers will commence this year, with work to be completed within 18 months.
Speaking during Parliament on Wednesday, Mottley said the project formed part of an aggressive push to tackle traffic congestion and boost national productivity.
“…If we’re spending more and more time on the roads, then it means that you’re taking away from the diligent and effective and efficient use of your time,” Mottley said, describing traffic as a direct drag on economic performance.
“That is why the overpasses will restart as soon as possible. I expect construction to start this year… and I expect within 18 months that Barbados will have the overpasses that it should have had 20 years ago.”
The announcement builds on plans outlined by Finance Minister Ryan Straughn, who on Monday revealed that government planned to revisit flyovers as part of a broader traffic management strategy.
Pundits have since questioned government’s ability to deliver on the ambitious slate of projects outlined in the Budget, including the flyovers, given the current state of the global economy.
But Mottley signalled that the road network overhaul will go beyond overpasses.
“I say the same thing with respect to the widening of Highway 2, but we also know that we’re going to have to address the issues from Graeme Hall, right back up to Newton as well, and whether that solution is widening, or whether that solution is another overpass,” she said, pointing in particular to congestion challenges near the Kooyman junction in Kendal Hill.
She acknowledged the everyday frustrations faced by motorists navigating the island’s roads.
“Anytime you got a right turn to make in this country… you are in real trouble,” Mottley added.
The prime minister also outlined a broader, multi-layered approach to transportation, including expanded park-and-ride systems aimed at reducing the number of vehicles entering Bridgetown.
“We want to put another one, just around Waterford… because we need to have a major car park facility there,” she said, noting the demand generated by nearby high-traffic facilities including the Botanical Gardens, the new National Stadium, CARIFESTA House and the Geriatric Hospital.
Similar facilities, she added, will likely be required in other high-density areas, including Graeme Hall, Oistins and parts of the west coast.
In addition to road-based solutions, Mottley said government is still pursuing alternative transport options.
“This does not rule out the water taxis,” she said, expressing hope that the private sector would partner with government to develop jetty infrastructure along the south and west coasts.
Looking further ahead, she pointed to emerging possibilities in underground transport.
“The price of tunneling has dropped significantly globally… it may well be that in 10 years’ time… Barbados may well be able to have some underground tunnels… to move from critical parts… from Holetown to Bridgetown, from Oistins to Bridgetown,” Mottley said. (TD)
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