The Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer has indicated that a portion of Main Street to the foot of Joe’s Hill Road will soon accommodate two-way traffic.

In his statement at the Third Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, Minister Rymer said that the purpose of this change is to ease the flow of traffic at the roundabout as well as at the intersection of the Waterfront Drive and the Walter James Francis Drive. He said, “What we want to introduce by the end of the fourth quarter is an upgrade that we believe will enhance our traffic flow and reduce the congestion. We will seek to convert only the section of Main Street between the foot of Joe’s Hill by the Road Town Methodist Cemetery to the intersection of Main Street and Flemming Street into two-way traffic. The rest of Main Street, starting at the same intersection of Flemming Street to Customs Road intersection in the vicinity of the Commercial Court building, will remain a one-way heading in the westerly direction.”

Honourable Rymer also stated that he is aware of the Main Street Road and the fact that it is more narrow than most roads, but reassured the public that the necessary precautions will be taken to keep the road safe for pedestrians and motorists.

Honourable Rymer said, “This new outlet being created, by a conservative estimate, we believe that the traffic congestion will be reduced by at least 35 per cent. I have experienced the congestion and can recognise the immediate benefits that this upgrade to our traffic flow will bring to our motorists.”

He added, “We recognise the constraint of Main Street generally and know that it is not as wide as other roads. As a result, we will additionally prohibit large trucks from traversing Main Street and will require them to utilise other roads available. I have requested of the Public Works Department to develop designs for implementation of this upgrade to see how best we can fit in sidewalks along this segment of the road to ensure the safety of pedestrians.”

The Minister’s full statement can be viewed on the Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.bvi.gov.vg.

The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to ensure the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure in keeping with international standards so that public utilities are reliable and affordable in support of an enhanced community life for every resident and visitor in the Virgin Islands.