Lucea gridlock sparks calls for permanent road fix

WESTERN BUREAU:

Bad road conditions along the main road in Hanover’s capital, Lucea, are once again causing lengthy delays, with what would normally be a three-minute drive through the town now taking up to 45 minutes.

That situation may soon be alleviated as Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, Heatha Miller-Bennett, told The Gleaner that she will once again attempt a temporary fix of that section of the road, with work slated to begin tomorrow.

“I am pleased to say that we are managing the little resources that we have to do a short-term fix,” she said.

“But there is a long-term solution that I am in discussions with the National Works Agency (NWA) about, and I understand that that proposal is awaiting approval,” said Miller-Bennett.

“We have plans to ensure that the Seawall roadway is fixed over the short term, but the long-term fix will require a significant amount of resources, for which we are awaiting approval,” she noted.

Complaints have been mounting as the roadway has significantly deteriorated, leaving it in a condition similar to six months ago, before temporary repairs were carried out and promises were made of a long-term fix.

Given the condition of the roads, public transport operators have been trying to avoid driving through the town as much as possible, as the delays cause passengers to arrive late or, in some cases, miss important engagements, including flights.

Chain reaction

Sections of the town are said to be below sea level, which contributes to flooding even after limited downpours because there is insufficient water runoff.

However, the traffic congestion being experienced is not due to rainfall but rather the condition of the main roadway through the town, especially in the vicinity of the GV Service Station along the section commonly known as Seawall.

Motor vehicle operators have to navigate that area at a snail’s pace to protect life and property. As a result, a chain reaction is created in both directions, causing massive traffic delays.

Miller-Bennett emphasised the need for greater longevity in repairs and rehabilitation work being carried out on that particular stretch of roadway, adding that the engineering solutions required should not be “beyond us” as a nation.

“It’s a critical piece of roadway connecting persons coming from Montego Bay going to Negril, and what we are finding is that the current condition is causing significant delays,” she argued.

“I have gotten serious complaints from tour operators, hoteliers, guests who complain about missing their flights, and locals arriving late for work and appointments, who have to spend extended time in traffic along that roadway, and when it rains, it’s even worse,” she said.

She said serious consideration must be given to creating an alternative route through the town.

The MP said immediate action is needed on that section of roadway because it is hindering productivity. As such, the temporary repair work is to begin this weekend.

While funding approval appears imminent, she explained that careful management of the limited resources at her disposal remains important, as poor road conditions are widespread throughout the parish.

“I anticipate that we should get that approval before the end of this year so that that roadway (Seawall) can be permanently fixed,” stated Miller-Bennett.

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