est. 2007

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Barbados Underground Commenter Makes Suggestion To Improve Traffic Congestion At Wildey Triangle

Submitted by BU Commenter Permres

Early in the week – 29 April 2008 BU published the public announcement which listed the change in traffic flow in the Wildey, St. Michael area, referred to as the Wildey Triangle. Barbadians have been filling the airwaves and blogs with feedback on the effort by the government authorities, in collaboration with 3S Barbados SRL to relieve traffic congestion in the area. one major feedback which has come to the fore is the reality that the decision makers did not consult the businesses on the Wildey stretch.

The BU family member who submitted the sketch posted above appear to have taken the bold step to demolish the Texeco Gas Station. The other key change appears to have stop traffic turning right coming from the Upton road to go in the direction of Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.

The BU family is encouraged to provide feedback on the suggestion!

17 responses to “Barbados Underground Commenter Makes Suggestion To Improve Traffic Congestion At Wildey Triangle”

  1. anotherview Avatar
    anotherview

    What about the Upton traffic wanting to turn right to get to the Wildey road?

  2. permres Avatar
    permres

    This appears to be a drawing from my idea which I posted in the other blog, making the triangle completely one-way. The rules then are as with a roundabout, except this is a triangle with straight sides to facilitate lane changes. Into town from the Upton Road would turn right at Shell. Into town from Upton Road wanting to turn right at the Upton Junction would, of course, have to go around the triangle.

    Rush hour entry onto the triangle could be controlled by lights operating only for that short period.

    I notice the absence of scale makes the triangle island look very small, because of the exaggerated widths of the roads. In fact, this island could become a thriving business and stopping venue for ALL traffic, with adequate entry and exit lanes, for which there would be room on the island, I think.

  3. Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier Avatar
    Asiba-The Buffalo Soldier

    forget it !

    this is the name of my calypso from the year 1994

    that season i performed it in the house of soca at dover convention centre (center) american

    so take my advice

    forget it

  4. David Avatar
    David

    For the government to compulsury acquire the Texeco business we must be talking about hundred of thousands of dollars. From a practical point of view we unfortunately must agree with Asiba.

  5. permres Avatar
    permres

    OK, David, a lot of money. My take on all of this is that we do not want, need nor should cherish the idea of flyovers, which are millions, apparently. Also anyone on the flyover will most certainly not be stopping at the Wildey triangle!

    I am all for encouraging the tropical aura, albeit first world, of Barbados. Flyovers do not fit into this. Monorail public transport (what a pity we lost the old railway), sea-bound ferries, even a few more helicopters if the punters are there.

    Whatever happens, we must not “forget it”! If this country is to become first world, and the attitude of Bajans is not to bother, then I think government should drag us there. Of course, they must not be lining their own private pockets whilst they do it!

  6. Bajan Avatar
    Bajan

    We have heard all those arguments before, we just have to hope that the DLP listening.

  7. permres Avatar
    permres

    Sorry, I forgot to say, the government could offer Texaco another site to compensate. I think Barbados is a bit short of gas stations, it would be interesting to compare the numbers with developed regions like Switzerland, Singapore or Hong Kong. We are are one of the most densely populated regions in the world. This is all assuming, of course, that private cars are here to stay. I personally would like to see them go!

    Bajan, here the DLP do not listen, they have to read the blog! If their own blog was as lively as this one, we could write there, but me thinks they would be very heavy on the moderation!

  8. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Permes. It is a good idea, the only thing you overlooked is the the Wildey road from the Shell Station to the “Y” by the Texaco Station which is two lanes, will now have to be widen to accommodate three lanes going west, and government will have to compulsory acquire the land on the right hand side.

  9. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    That’s my post David. Please make the necessary change.

  10. permres Avatar
    permres

    Good point, Anonymous, but being a traffic island I would suggest that we would not want side-walks anywhere around it. Paved pathways could be routed anywhere in the triangle and would be comparatively traffic free and safe for pedestrians. The tourists could sit out and enjoy their first bit of Bajan sunshine, whilst watching the traffic go by!

    This means that the amount of land needed to widen the road there, on the right, would not be so great, and if I remember correctly no buildings would be affected.

  11. Bajanboy Avatar
    Bajanboy

    Barbados should consider making more roads one way in an effort to keep traffic flowing. Traffic grinds to a halt because of people wanting to turn against oncoming traffic. A one way system could be developed along the south coast by widening and realigning Golf Club Road and Darrylls Road, the Garisson and Beckles Road to take traffic into Bridgetown while traffic coming out of Bridgetown could use both lanes along the coast. This could be further extended to Top Rock and Oistins by using Rendezvous Hill, the ABC Highway and Maxwell Top Road.

  12. permres Avatar
    permres

    I quite agree, Bajanboy. I know some may not like my constant referrals to London, UK, but they have had these problems, they still have them, and these decisions are being made all of the time.

    It all stems back to the old times when with a horse and cart, and then a motor car, we wanted to turn or stop wherever and whenever we liked. One-way systems take us off-route, but we are now in a car and its usually quicker than walking.

    “Sleeping policemen” slow down through-traffic, street parking is disallowed, extra road tax has to be paid in urban areas. All of these measures can be implemented inexpensively. But no, Barbadians, just like the English, do not, did not, want to change. Government plays the political game to keep their voters happy, and we are made to believe we can afford the expense of sitting in a car, often on our own, listening to music, relaxing, usually with the engine running, whilst it takes us an hour or more to get to work.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    So far what we are hearing from government spokesmen on the change at Wildey suggests that no serious attempt was made to discuss the changes at the Wildey Triangle. The Ministry appear to have some other decisions up their sleeve but the sad reality which they appear not to have grasped is the vulnerability of small businesses if they have to exist for too long with reduced cash flow/customers.

  14. Island Dude Avatar
    Island Dude

    Any one thought of Widening Colymore Rock to 2 lane right down in to town and provide some Large Laybys for Buses and PSV ……The main problem on that strecth of road is that the traffic into and out of bridgetown is alwys obstructed by Buses and PSV

  15. peltdownman Avatar
    peltdownman

    What’s up Dude?!
    You can put all the laybys you want for bus stops, but the PSV’s will still stop wherever and whenever they feel like it – their passengers like it that way.

  16. BTSS Avatar
    BTSS

    I like the suggested changes to the triangle. They will ease the current pains of users of public service transportation who now have to exit at inappropriate stops that are distant. In addition, businesses – especially small – could continue to strive in the immediate areas.

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