ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — The government is developing a comprehensive plan to address worsening traffic congestion in Antigua, with several agencies expected to examine possible changes to roads, intersections and traffic flows.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said discussions are already taking place and will require cooperation among the police Traffic Department, Ministry of Public Works, Development Control Authority and Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation.
The issue was raised by a listener who said the presence of an estimated 50,000 vehicles on the country’s roads requires authorities to reconsider how the existing network is used.
The listener suggested converting selected roads into two-lane, one-way routes and constructing larger roundabouts at heavily travelled intersections.
Among the locations identified were the junction of All Saints Road and American Road, where the listener argued that available space could be used to create a large, two-lane roundabout.
Browne said the government would consider those recommendations as part of the wider planning process.
“Those discussions are taking place,” he said during his weekly radio programme.
The prime minister said police officials had already presented recommendations for improving traffic management. He noted, however, that the issue could not be addressed by the police alone.
“Obviously, it has to be a multidisciplinary approach,” Browne said.
He said the relevant ministries and agencies must work together to develop a coordinated plan rather than implementing isolated changes.
The government may also seek assistance from overseas traffic-management or urban-planning specialists to help design the plan.
Browne did not disclose which roads are being considered for conversion to one-way traffic or whether any new roundabouts have been formally approved.
He also gave no timeline for completing the plan, beginning public consultations or implementing the proposed changes.
Traffic congestion has become particularly noticeable during the morning and afternoon rush hours, when commuters travelling into and out of St. John’s face delays on several major routes.
The growing number of vehicles has also increased pressure on intersections, parking areas and roads that were not originally designed to accommodate the current volume of traffic.
Browne said officials would examine the specific proposals and determine whether they could be incorporated into the government’s overall traffic-management plan.
Source: Antigua News Room Government Developing Comprehensive Plan to Address Antigua’s Traffic Congestion.