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Eroded section of Ridge Road 'an accident waiting to happen'

- Resident highlights dangers of road 2 years after Hurricane Irma
Two years after Hurricane Irma of 2017, one sports photojournalist, Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman' may have unearthed some hidden dangers behind the plywood barriers that protect motorists from veering off the cliff on one section of the road. Photo: Facebook
In a video originally posted in the 'Real BVI Community Board' entitled 'Hidden Dangers of the Rift,' the concerned resident showed how hidden erosion is now taking toll behind one barricade. Photo: Facebook
In a video originally posted in the 'Real BVI Community Board' entitled 'Hidden Dangers of the Rift,' the concerned resident showed how hidden erosion is now taking toll behind one barricade. Photo: Facebook
According to Mr Dean H. Greenaway in the almost two-minute long video,
According to Mr Dean H. Greenaway in the almost two-minute long video, "we have all seen these plywood around the road since hurricane Irma, they hopefully protect us as we drive by, but have you ever stopped and wondered what's behind?" Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Described as a breathtaking alternative road linking the capital Road Town with East End, google maps warn users of steep winding and unsettling turns against scenic views of Tortola.

Now two years after Hurricane Irma struck the Virgin Islands on September 6, 2017, one sports photojournalist, Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman' has highlighted some hidden dangers behind the plywood barriers that protect motorists from veering off the cliff on one section of the road.

Hidden Dangers 

In a video originally posted on September 23, 2019, in the 'Real BVI Community Board' entitled 'Hidden Dangers of the Ridge,' the concerned resident showed how erosion is taking place behind one of the barricades. 

The video, attracting some 59 shares and hundreds of likes, comments and reactions, saw residents share similar concerns about the road, now labelled as dangerous.

One commenter Mel B. Lewis said, "I avoid the Ridge altogether... I burn gas on the flat ... yes." Another resident, Reynold Phillips, remarked, "Dean thanks for highlighting this. There are many more and we ask. I spoke in songs. Ah Who responsible. Who is paying attention? Who is to blame if something serious happens. God forbid. It's about time. Hope they can fix them soon." 

According to Mr Greenaway, in the almost two-minute long video, "we have all seen these plywood around the road since hurricane Irma, they hopefully protect us as we drive by, but have you ever stopped and wondered what's behind?"

No Metal Rails 

A yellow metal guard rail thrown off the side of the cliff lies untouched, now reclaimed by vegetation since Irma, "We gotta start looking into things like these, accidents waiting to happen," he said.

The section of the road in question is riddled with cracks and behind the plywood barrier there is a steep cliff, which continues to move closer to the centre of the road due to undermining.

One of the concerns raised was that motorists needed to use extreme caution on this area of the road as the plywood barrier could not prevent any vehicle, not even a motorcycle, from going off the cliff.

"This must be addressed, this is an accident waiting to happen," 'The Sportsman' said while further illustrating segments of the road giving way to elements such as rain and natural erosion. 

Speeding motorists in the midst of the video added to the serious tone of the issue as it was being highlighted, "Can you imagine a car hitting that what will actually happen?" Mr Greenaway questioned.

Another social media used Jovanny Samuel remarked, "That's [a] danger for real, the people them need to fix that before things get worse."

12 Responses to “Eroded section of Ridge Road 'an accident waiting to happen'”

  • one eye (26/09/2019, 12:41) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yeh I saw dean sports man video
  • Bulldawg (26/09/2019, 14:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Prevention is better than cure.
    That's a lawsuit right there for the government, so they need to work fast.
  • See (26/09/2019, 16:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No ... why work fast . A thin piece of rotted plywood will stop any car or truck much less a bus full of tourists . While you are at it check Joes Hill from town to CGB . A lot of accidents waiting to happen on a road with many dangerous holes .
  • Sam (26/09/2019, 16:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    How they work on this ASAP, like come on two years is long
  • opposition (26/09/2019, 17:00) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Has the VIP government fallen asleep?
    • Dunce (26/09/2019, 17:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      it takes highlighting issues for it to be brought to the table...watch how quick it will be fixed
  • NezRez (26/09/2019, 23:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I passed them this afternoon going home and was wondering what was up. Now I know, and will be very cautious on that side of the road. Thank you for this story.
  • Precious (27/09/2019, 09:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Better to be proactive than reactive
  • Coccerned (27/09/2019, 12:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No comment from any government official as usual.
  • Outspoken (27/09/2019, 13:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some people behaving like it’s only last week those things were erected. They were placed there soon after hurricane Irma. The VIP Government took power sometime around March this year. Give me a break. You guys should asked the former minister of works where is the CDB loan that was supposed to be used to fix the roads.
  • Outsider (28/09/2019, 08:49) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    The government are too busy complaining about the terms of a loan guarantee generously offered by the United Kingdom to borrow the money required to fund the works needed.
  • NezRez (28/09/2019, 21:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yes, they have been their since hurricane Irma, but we did not know the dangers that lurked beneath, now we know and have to be cautious.


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