Three lanes to end congestion

THE EDITOR: I have a suggestion for relieving the daily nightmare of traffic woes suffered by East-West Corridor commuters during their trek to and from work. This suggestion is an extension of one put forward by another writer, about opening up the PBR to “regular traffic” during the peak hours of 6 am to 9 am heading West into Port-of-Spain and from 3 pm to 6 pm heading East out of the city, Monday to Friday. My suggestion is that an “additional traffic lane be created” (making it a total of three lanes) heading in each direction during the peak commute times (see above).

In essence it will create a three- lane highway heading West for the morning commute and a three-lane highway heading East in the afternoons. This can be done by installing overhead electric signs that are strung across the roadway at key points along the route. These signs will be illuminated with a red “X” showing which lanes are unavailable for travel at that time and with green “arrows” showing the lanes that can be travelled on. In addition, “temporary” road lanes markings are also painted on the ground to show motorists the lanes they are allowed to drive in. This is a solution that can be applied to other major thoroughfares such as the Eastern and Western Main Roads, where, due to space limitations, adding lanes is not feasible.

It allows for the use of existing roadways in a more efficient manner, especially during peak driving hours. This method of traffic flow control is used successfully in places like NYC and Washington, DC, among others. With some planning and application of resources in the right places, it can work successfully in TT also. Another part of this plan could be to allow only cars with three or more occupants on to that roadway, thus encouraging car pooling to reduce the number of vehicles into the city.

A public service advertising campaign would also be needed to make the driving public aware of the “new” road usage rules. So come on Mr Transport Minister, it is time to think outside the box and do something to help out the people from this daily nightmare of the “work commute.” It will definitely help relieve the level of stress in peoples’ lives and could be a “temporary fix” while you are awaiting the more detailed and expensive Vision 2020 National Transport Plan from our paid consultants.

KELVIN C JAMES Sr
Port-of-Spain