Gov’t moving ahead with plans to re-route traffic in RT
This announcement was made earlier today May 1, 2020, by Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) during a press conference which followed a live simulation of the re-routing.
Solutions to traffic congestion in RT
The planned re-routing of the traffic to ease congestion in Road Town was first announced by Hon Rymer in the House of Assembly (HoA) on September 2, 2019.
"This project seeks to improve traffic conditions simply by re-routing traffic through Road Town, By converting Waterfront Drive and DeCastro Street to two-lane roads in one direction only, we will increase capacity of vehicular traffic," said Hon Rymer today.
Additionally, he said another lane will be added to Administration Drive in conjunction to a few tweaks to the design released and tested over the past two days.
Noting that the re-routing is one phase of a bigger traffic project under his ministry, Hon Rymer said, "We will have paid parking lots, we will add an additional lane on Waterfront Drive going west from Admin Drive and we will have free parking at the Festival Grounds that will co-exist with Festival and have shuttle service to Road Town."
Extensive educational campaign to follow
"Naturally, one of the main challenges associated with this type of measures is how well motorists can adjust to the new routes, therefore, we have started with this simulation today and will also afford for questions to be asked."
Hon Rymer said the project requires minimal funding, and it can offer a nondestructive solution; meaning there will be no significant alterations, if any, to the roads.
According to the Transportation Minister, there will be an extensive educational campaign to ensure persons transition into the new norm and comply.
Road Town, being the centre of commercial activity on Tortola, has developed significantly over the past decades. Like many developed and developing jurisdictions, this increase in commercial activities has generated an equally significant rise in vehicular traffic accessing the businesses.
Waterfront Drive, which is the primary roadway through the Road Town corridor, is a gateway that links the eastern and western sections of the island.
Meanwhile, Hon Rymer could not give a date for the completion of the re-routing phase but said it will be done before the year ends.
‘The traffic is free to go’
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) who participated in the simulation exercise today, while delivering short remarks at the press briefing, gave the green light to the changes.
"This has my full approval. Like everything, there will be teething pains. This is healthy, this is good, this is true democracy and this is what you call not mistaking listenership for leadership.
"The traffic is free to go," Hon Fahie said.
28 Responses to “Gov’t moving ahead with plans to re-route traffic in RT”
( 1 ) Let cars turn left on a red light if there are no vehicles approaching .
( 2 ) Let the left westbound lane outside Tobacco Wharf keep flowing , rather than stopping on a red light to avoid everybody arriving at the roundabout at the same time.
( 3 ) Create pullout areas at the common passenger pickup spots. As most buses and taxies have their doors on the wrong side , this would make it safer for passengers and stop blocking one lane.
Next thing the minister of transportation need to do is to stop them opposite side Japan vehicles from here. Not in the BVI
Why can’t we just say let relocate these venders.
Them people run down that market square everyone got a spot in there have panty hanging on line for sale right in town yes. Get rid of it honorable rhymer