Roadworks causing chaos, gridlock in Ocho Rios

Road repair works during peak-hour traffic are causing long delays for motorists in Ocho Rios, St Ann, leaving many people fuming on Thursday morning.

The delays have affected teachers and students, with many reporting late to school, as well as people going to work and conducting other business.

Minutes before 10, several Ocho Rios High School students were seen exiting a taxi that was stuck in traffic near the pier, having decided to walk the remaining distance, possibly half a mile.

One parent reported that when she took her child to Ocho Rios Primary, the teacher was absent, having called to report her inability to reach work.

A driver said he left his home in Ocho Rios around 8 o’clock, heading to Brown’s Town, but nearly two hours later, he had just reached the pier on the outskirts of the town.

He argued that he could have reached his destination and back by then on a regular day.

"Yuh cyaa fix road inna peak hours! Wha ’bout night work? Ah pure madness dis," he told The Gleaner.

With frustration building, three-lane traffic became the norm, extending the problem and causing heated exchanges between motorists.

Lately, the road conditions in Ocho Rios had reached a deplorable state, and many people had expressed relief and delight when repair work began recently.

Several persons are now calling for better management of the work, based on the chaos experienced on Thursday.

- Carl Gilchrist

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