The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) is to commence construction of a roundabout at the Windsor/Brighton junction, with ministry officials stressing that the four million dollar project has been methodically conceptualized and costed by technical experts.
The officials insist that the work and costs, including land acquisitions, are justified and in line with best practice. They emphasized that road safety is the key consideration and the ultimate objective for having a roundabout at this junction.
Speaking during a news briefing at MTW headquarters, Permanent Secretary Jehu Wiltshire, noted that the work is part of a comprehensive road upgrade programme underway across the island. He disclosed that the programme includes milling and paving of several highways, residential and tertiary roads, as well as the reconstruction of numerous other roads.
Acting Chief Technical Officer, Jenifer King, noted that several serious accidents have occurred at the Windsor/Brighton junction. Stressing safety is foremost in mind, she said the work will include the realignment of the road to ensure a clear “line of sight. The road also needs to be widened for additional lanes, necessitating the acquisition of several strips of land.
This point was emphasised by Deputy Chief Technical Officer for Projects, Dave Scantlebury. He stressed the importance of motorists approaching the road having a clear view of the entire junction and any approaching vehicles, whereas that line of sight is currently impeded by cane fields, which makes it essential that the surrounding strips of land be acquired so they can be kept clear.
Further explanation was offered by Deputy Chief Technical Officer for Traffic, Jason Bowen, who recalled the significant number of serious accidents that have occurred at the junction, including one recently. He said it was imperative to make the junction safer.
He added that the MTW has undertaken a meticulous design process to develop the best solution for that junction and others, such as the Boarded Hall Roundabout, which is already in place; the Highway R/St. David’s Junction and the Coral Ridge Roundabout, which is also in place, with other junctions identified for attention.
Mr. Bowen produced statistics to show the steady downward trend of fatal road accidents in Barbados over the past 40 years due to the construction of roundabouts and other road design improvements. (Stetson Babb/MTW)
Top MTW officials on location at the Windsor Brighton junction where a roundabout will be constructed to improve safety. (Photo by W.Murray/MTW)
Road safety is the key consideration for having a roundabout at the Windsor Brighton junction. (Photo by W. Murray/MTW)
