The traffic lights will be commissioned on Thursday. Photo: GIS

The commissioning ceremony comes almost two months after the signing of the contract between Government and JoClaud Enterprises Limited of Trinidad and Tobago to signalize the James Walter Francis Drive and Wickham’s Cay II/Pasea Intersection. The terms of the contract provided for the installation, supply, maintenance and operation of the traffic signals.

“The ministry has taken the necessary precautions to ensure that the lights function optimally,” Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Mrs. Arlene Smith-Thompson told the Department of Information and Public Relations.

“The new lights at Wickham’s Cay II and the existing ones at Station Avenue are being wirelessly interconnected to keep both in sync in order to ensure an efficient and coordinated flow of vehicular traffic,” Mrs. Smith-Thompson said. Additional lights and signage signaling what is happening at Wickham’s Cay II intersection have also been strategically placed along the James Walter Francis Drive leading up to the new intersection.

Once commissioned it is expected that the general public will follow the rules of the road and adhere to the traffic signals. Mrs. Smith-Thompson also stated that during the testing phase which began on Monday October 31 and will conclude today, she observed that some motorists were not respecting the traffic lights, causing potentially dangerous situations on the road. To this end, she has asked for motorists to exercise patience at this intersection particularly when it becomes necessary to stop at a red light. Mrs. Thompson also confirmed that necessary measures will be put in place to ensure that motorists obey the traffic laws of the Territory to ensure safety at the new intersection for all users.

The Acting Permanent Secretary concluded by saying that the traffic lights will enable the flow of eastbound traffic to make a right turn into Wickham’s Cay II and allow for traffic exiting Wickham’s Cay II to also make a right turn on James Walter Francis Drive. A formal pedestrian crosswalk with a combination of road markings and crossing light activated by a push button are now in place. All of this was done to provide a safer traffic movement environment while facilitating a more efficient flow of traffic,” she said.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is encouraging all motorists to adhere to the law and obey all traffic signals as they continue to develop the Territory’s public infrastructure.