Wednesday, July 4 2012

GOVERNMENT is spending $1.5 million to install traffic signs to make sure drivers do not make a wrong turn when the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure’s “Experimental Traffic Sch-

eme” takes effect on Monday July 16.

According to Chief Traffic Engineer Dexter Wong Wai, some of the new signs would be erected by the Ministry, while work to erect others are being contracted. The signs would be covered and unveiled just before July 16.

Wong Wai made the statement yesterday afternoon during a Media Clinic at the Ministry’s Head Office on London St, Port-of-Spain. Transportation Planner Adande Piggott, also announced some minor changes to the plan.

Initially meant to be one-way westbound, Tragarete Road, between Roxy roundabout and Long Circular Road, will retain its two-way traffic flow status. The change was made to facilitate residents of St James, allowing them access to the Queen’s Park Savannah, St Clair, Serpentine Road and Damian Street.

On this stretch, parking will be allowed during off-peak hours, only on the southern side of the street. There would continue to be no parking on Ariapita Avenue, Tragarete Road, Western Main Road and Park Street between peak traffic hours of 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. During off-peak hours, parking would be allowed on both sides of these roads, except on Park Street, where there will be unilateral parking.

The main aspect of the plan was making Ariapita Avenue a one-way street heading east, and Tragarete and the Western Main Roads, one-way heading west. Mucurapo Road, Wrightson Road, Warren and Robert Streets will remain two-way.

Motorists would also not be allowed to cross Ariapita Avenue, except at traffic lights on Ana, Carlos, French and Colville streets. Motorists will have to turn eastward into the flow of traffic on Ariapita Avenue, until they get to the next available north-bound street.

Piggott said he recognised persons’ lives and daily activities would be affected by the scheme, which would initially run for three months and encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with the plan.

He noted a map of the plan and some preferred routes were available on the Ministry’s website and again encouraged citizens to plan their routes before going out on the roads.