The Saddle ‘Tunnel’ goes two-way

One of Trinidad’s landmarks, “The Tunnel” on Saddle Road that leads to Maracas, is no more. The hill on the right side of the tunnel is to be removed so the road can be widened to accommodate two-way traffic. According to an official in the Ministry of Works, the new move will end the days of honking your car horn to warn other oncoming motorists, or to ensure that the way is clear. Works Minister, Franklyn Khan, visited the site early yesterday to officially start the project which has angered some residents and environmentalists, most of whom said they were not consulted.

The development work is expected to last a fortnight. Meanwhile, the road will be closed off between the hours of 9 am to 3 pm. Although the aim of the project is to ease the traffic congestion in the area, a group of Santa Cruz residents came out to complain to Khan that the people of Santa Cruz were not consulted before the start of the project. The residents said that they were concerned about the loss of the landmark and the environmental impact due to the removal of the hill.