The St. James Municipal Corporation is moving to address constant traffic congestion which continue to affect motorists and pedestrians who traverse Corinaldi Avenue and adjoining streets in that area.
Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon told a recent meeting of the St. James Municipal Corporation that major changes are being contemplated for the entire area to ease the congestion, during morning and afternoon peak times especially when schools in the area are in session.
“We are looking at some traffic re-arrangements within the city of Montego Bay and we have gone ahead and met with our key stakeholders in the city-the National Works Agency, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Public Health, Principals of schools in the area among others…with a view to look at how best to address the traffic congestion in the vicinity of the Corinaldi Avenue Primary School…We are of the view that the area will need some traffic re-arrangement”, Councillor Vernon said.
He said a stakeholder team will be visiting the area shortly to take a first-hand look at the area and the possibility of doing a “dry run” with the new measures in place.
The Deputy Mayor said “we expect that once the strategies are successfully implemented, the congestion in the area will be reduced and we can have a better flow of traffic through Corinaldi Avenue, Barnett Street, Hart Street and other adjoining streets and avenues in the general area”.
Councillor Vernon is also urging operators of street side garages in the general area under review to take immediate steps to have their operations relocated.
“We are also cognizant of the fact that within that area there is a need for proper passage to enhance security and therefore we urge everyone, especially persons who operate garages, auto body shops etc on the road reservations…Sometime due to your operation a blockage is created which can negatively impact emergency vehicles traversing that area”, Deputy Mayor Vernon stated.
A date for the full implementation of the new traffic arrangements will be decided on following the stakeholders visit to the area.