US$38M for safe roads project
Stabroek News
December 18, 2002
An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project for greater safety on ten of the country's deadliest roadways will see US$38.1M being spent over the next five years.
The deadliest stretch of roadway, the 11 miles from Georgetown to Buxton is earmarked for immediate attention at a cost of US$302,581. Over the past few years there have been calls for the government to take action to reduce the large number of deaths on the roads. A group called Mothers in Black has held weekly vigils for many months now outside of Parliament Buildings in this campaign.
The project based on studies and recommendations by civil engineering specialist, Dr Golkarran Budhu hopes to arrest the number of accidents especially fatalities on the country's roads.
Over the next five years, the 10 deadliest road corridors as identified by data compiled during the study will see measures being applied to enhance their safety.
Among the ideas expounded to ensure greater safety on the Georgetown to Buxton roadway, are the removal of encumbrances including signs and stray animals and the widening of bridges along the stretch.
Other measures outlined include the placing of 75 regulatory, 52 warning and 32 guide signs along the corridor together with bus stops at intervals.
The installation of traffic signals at 15 intersections and lighting at 33 others was also suggested as part of the safety measures.
Also proposed is the construction of 14 structures - eight bridges and six culverts along the 11-mile stretch of roadway.
Critical as part of the recommendations outlined was that of enforcement of all aspects of the traffic laws especially by the police traffic department.
To this end it is proposed that there be enforcement at certain peak and critical periods and the establishment of effective data collection processes via computerisation.
The police force, essentially its traffic department, will as part of the project benefit from computers, along with other equipment to facilitate effective enforcement.
As part of the recommendations it was also proposed that changes be made to existing laws with regards to speed limits.
Additionally, a highway trust fund to cater for the continuation of the measures applied is recommended.
Dr Budhu said that consideration was given to the revision of the motor vehicle driving code essentially to strengthen the knowledge of those seeking licences.
Among other recommendations is the establishment of a traffic court to deal exclusively with traffic accidents.
The need to educate students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels on effective road use was also highlighted. (Oscar P. Clarke)
