NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS COMMISSIONED INTO SERVICE

Minister Pickersgill switching on new traffic lights at the Barbican Road/Russell Heights intersection.

Motorists traversing the busy thoroughfare of Barbican Road/Russell Heights were greeted by new traffic lights which were turned on by Works Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill on Wednesday, September 27.

The commissioning of the traffic signals comes on the heels of major road improvement works that have been carried out along the East Kings House Road, Barbican Road/Russell Heights corridor over the past several months. These works were undertaken to:

• Improve traffic flow through the intersection and along a section of Barbican Road and Russell Heights
• Improve the overall efficiency of the junction and reduce congestion and
• Improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians

The newly constructed intersection now boasts a dual carriageway along Barbican Road with a right turn holding lane on to Russell Heights. The intersection also has dedicated right and left turning lanes from Russell Heights on to Barbican Road.

Improvement works at the intersection included:
• Preliminary works – site clearance, bushing of gully banks, removal of tress, installation of construction signs, safety barriers etc.
• Demolition of some buildings
• Relocation of buildings from the right of way, boundary fences, utilities
• Removal of kerbs, sidewalk, bridge rails and
• Drainage improvements and alterations

Other works included construction of:
• Retaining wall for pipe arch structure
• New kerbs, concrete sidewalks and medians
• Gully invert protection works
• Gabion and earth works
• Pavement works

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Pickersgill noted that one of the priorities of the Government was to implement traffic management projects which would lead to improved movement of traffic along major corridors and a reduction in congestion and travel time.

Continuing, the Minister said, “ As was anticipated, on completion of this project, there has been considerable improvement in traffic flow approaching and through the intersection, with corresponding reduction in peak periods. When the landscaping is completed by Shields and Shields, it should enhance the corridor and have a positive environmental impact.”

Most of the activities undertaken on the project were carried out by the National Works Agency (NWA) at a cost of just under $44 million.