With the island experiencing high levels of rainfall, the National Works Agency (NWA) is advising road users to exercise extreme caution, especially where roads are flooded. This advice comes against the background of the death of a motorist in St. Mary on the weekend.
It is reported that the motorist attempted to cross a flooded section of the Marlborough parochial road, when his vehicle was washed away. The section of the corridor has a Ford, which is a feature along a road, where storm water flows, especially in high intensity rainfall may render a corridor impassable.
Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says that there are several Fords across the island and that road users should be particularly careful when travelling across them. These are on both main and parochial roads. The eastern parishes of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas and St. Andrew account for the largest percentage of Fords on the island.
Mr. Shaw says with increased rainfall in the forecast for all parishes over the next few days, road users in these parishes should ensure their safety in traversing any corridor with a Ford.
Mr. Shaw says that the government has a plan to reduce the numbers of Fords across the island through the construction of bridges, however, this process will take some time. There are over 50 Fords across the island.
