In the wake of growing concerns regarding the safety of road users along the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland, the National Works Agency (NWA) is advising that effective Friday April 5, 2013, three critical points along the corridor will be controlled by pedestrian actuated traffic signals.
According to Community Relations Officer at the NWA, Janel Ricketts, these signals are located in the vicinity of the Time Square Plaza, Rondell Village and Couples Swept Away. The locations were chosen following a detailed analysis of vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
Ms. Ricketts says that these signals will serve to separate vehicular and pedestrian movement, thereby increasing pedestrian safety and comfort. The signals will also serve to reduce the speed with which motorists traverse the corridor.
A recent study be the Road Safety Unit of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing had revealed that Norman Manley Boulevard was among the top 10 corridors for motor vehicle accidents on the island.
This latest effort by the NWA represents the first phase of a Pedestrian Safety Infrasrtucture Programme, valued at approximately eighteen million dollars. The project also involves the construction of sidewalks, meidians and cross waks. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by June 2013
