AS part of its programme to improve road transportation here, government has announced that it will be building three pedestrian overpasses and a flyover at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Speaking at the commissioning of the Independence Arch at Agricola on Friday, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson said that in addition to the overpasses and flyover, road safety will be improved along the East Bank due to the installation of traffic lights, streetlights, and road markings and signs.
He said each month, the Guyana Police Force through its traffic statistics, indicates that pedestrians are the most affected by fatal accidents on our roadways. “Saving even a single life is important. The pedestrian overhead crossings will be located at the Harbour Bridge intersection at Peter’s Hall; Eccles; and Houston. These sites were chosen following studies which showed that these three areas have the most pedestrian movement,” Patterson said.
As it relates to the vehicular overhead crossing at Diamond, this will be located at the intersection of the East Bank Road and Diamond. “Diamond is the biggest housing scheme in our country and it is only expected to grow. The community is also one that suffers from serious traffic congestion, so the overhead crossing will be a relief. We expect that the overhead crossing will significantly reduce accidents; save on travel time for those from Diamond; and also precipitate a free flow of traffic at the proposed site,” the minister said.
Additionally, the minister said currently, MPI is in its final stages of the East Bank Demerara Four-Lane Expansion Project. He noted that two contractors are working on the section of road between Providence and Herstelling and these two kilometres of road work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2016. “Overall, the project covers six kilometres of road from Providence to Diamond and the benefits cannot be understated. Not only will the road expansion reduce vehicular operating costs, significantly cut down on travel time and allow for a smoother flow of traffic, but it is also expected to reduce accidents seen along the East Bank.”
Another MPI initiative, known as the Sustainable Urban Transportation study, is also expected to improve mobility in and around Georgetown. This study will focus on conducting a comprehensive analysis to improve mobility and will cover the entire city of Georgetown, which consists of areas that contain a complex interaction of land use and activities. “The study will also provide specific recommendations and policy options to allocate road space more efficiently among users and will increase the use of cleaner and more sustainable transportation, such as public transportation and non-motorised modes.”
Patterson said it is important that the country look at ways to diagnose the urban transport situation. “We all are aware of the problems and trends and the Government of Guyana believes that it is high time that we deal with matters of public transport infrastructure, operations, financing, and institutional organisation. The Sustainable Urban Transportation Study will support the design of a public transport system to provide users with a safe, efficient, clean, and affordable service,” he said.
This study is expected to start in June 2016, following the no-objection from The Inter-American Development Bank.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast of Demerara, a second arch, similar to the one at Agricola is proposed to commemorate the country’s independence. Patterson said this second arch will mark the northern boundary of Georgetown and both the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce have been contacted for assistance in financing this arch. He said progress has been made but we are awaiting finalisation as we continue to seek a willing partner.