Government will begin a national consultation on traffic congestion next week as it moves to address growing concerns about gridlock across Barbados.
Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn, speaking during the presentation of the Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement in the House of Assembly yesterday, said poor planning and decision-making in the past contributed to the worsening traffic situation.
“The traffic is choking us everywhere we turn,” he said.
He pointed specifically to the reduction in the number of lanes on the ABC Highway from four to two in some places as well as the abandonment of proposed flyovers which were in the original drawings.
Straughn said the Ministry of Transport and Works would host a series of public consultations beginning Monday, March 23, at Deighton Griffith Secondary School, Kingsland, Christ Church. Additional meetings will be held on March 25 at Princess Margaret Secondary School, Six Roads, St Philip; March 30 at The St Michael School, Martindale’s Road, St Michael and at Alexandra School, Queen Street, Speightstown, St Peter on April 1, with all sessions starting at 6:30 p.m.
Members of the public are being invited to attend and share their views on possible solutions.
The Minister also revealed that last Thursday, Cabinet agreed to rehire the original company that was engaged to construct overpasses along the ABC Highway as part of efforts to improve traffic flow.
In addition, Government will begin planning for the widening of Highway 2A, also known as the Ronald Mapp Highway, as well as sections of the ABC Highway. (AM)
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