Junction Improvement Project to bring easier traffic flow

Within a matter of weeks, there should be an easier traffic flow at Fordes Road and Rendezvous Hill, St Michael, and immediate areas, when the ongoing Junction Improvement Project is completed.

During a tour of the area today, Minister of Transport and Works and Water Resources Ian Gooding-Edghill, said at a cost of $174 395, the project consists of the construction of an additional 11 feet wide by 874 feet long slip lane and improved drainage.

He said pedestrian safety was also taken into consideration with the construction of the 4 feet footpath along the stretch of the road with access for persons with a disability, as well as the inclusion of footpaths.

“The purpose of this slip lane is to reduce traffic congestion by allowing vehicles, which enter this lane from the ABC Highway or Sargeants Village to travel freely down Rendezvous. Motorists will no longer have to wait behind those vehicles, which stop in order to turn right onto Fordes Road thereby reducing gridlock at the Garfield Sobers roundabout,” he said.

“An enhanced right turn onto Fordes Road and Clampham will also improve traffic flow. We are therefore asking motorists at that junction whether they are coming from the Garfield Sobers roundabout or Rendezvous to be considerate and cooperative with one another to make turning onto Fordes Road as smooth and easy as possible,” Gooding-Edghill added.

The Minister emphasized that the road works project was undertaken not only to make life easier for motorists but also to inform the safety and convenience of pedestrians who need to use the junction. He also assured the public that all projects will always treat the needs of the public with sensitivity and empathy through the full disclosure of relevant information.

“My ministry is working to improve roads and traffic flow at critical junctions across the island. I wish to thank motorists, commuters and residents for their patience during the road works,” he said.

The Minister also thanked Ministry of Transport and Works employees for their dedication and commitment to the project, which commenced on June 2 2020, just after the Ministry’s crews returned to work after the COVID-19 lockdown ended. (AH)