UPDATE - Calming device to be replaced with "raised crosswalks"
The confirmation of this move was announced in a Government Information Service Press Release which stated that works are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 26 for a period of four weeks.
During this time, motorists and pedestrians are asked to exercise extreme caution and to adhere to all traffic signs and markings when traversing the area. The Public Works Department will make the necessary adjustment to ensure that traffic flows as free as possible.
Virgin Islands News Online first brought this issue to the forefront after Hon. Vanterpool had told this news site that he was planning to either remove the device or have it replaced following complaints from several persons.
He had told this news site that his decision to have it removed had stemmed from numerous complaints by motorists, and is in no way to undermine or disrespect the effort of the former Minister.
“We have had a lot of complaints. I myself don’t like it, so I have asked Public Works to review it,” Hon. Vanterpool disclosed to this news agency on Monday, February 20, 2012.
Former Minister for Communications and Works Julian Fraser, RA, had the structure installed in August 2011 following the death of Tre Erickson.
Erickson, 14, an Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) student, was allegedly racing with friends along the stretch of road at Beef Island on Saturday evening, March 26, 2011 when his scooter crashed. His left leg was severed from the hip in the crash between two motorcycles. He subsequently passed away in a Puerto Rico hospital on Monday, March 28, 2011.
According to Hon. Vanterpool, he is of the view that it was a plausible undertaking but like anything else he added, “If something isn’t right, doesn’t fit, one should not be too big to make adjustments and we are prepared to do just that.”
“So it has nothing to do with [being deliberate] that at all. I think it was an effort to do what was expected. However, in my case it has everything to do with the public and we have to listen to the public and we are going to make an adjustment,” the Works Minister firmly stated.
The Public Works Department (PWD) had started some works on the design as to where the device (s) will be placed. Former acting director of PWD, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, was taking the lead on the project.
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