By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
THE $718 million Howard Cooke Boulevard dualisation project in Montego Bay is already meeting its objective to reduce traffic congestion in the western city, despite being less than 80 per cent ready.
The project, spearheaded by the Urban Development Corporation, is scheduled for completion in March 2004.
"The dualisation is already putting a serious dent in the city's congestion problem," said Calvin G. Brown, the project manager in the Office of the Prime Minister Western Region, who noted that the project was 73 per cent complete in November.
"Motorists are already moving through the city with much greater ease and comfort."
SATISFACTION
When The Gleaner spoke to motorists Tuesday at one of the newly-installed traffic lights on the expansive new roadway, which spans Alice Eldemire Drive to the entrance of Gloucester Avenue, the general feedback was one of satisfaction.
"This is the best thing anyone could have done for motorists passing through Montego Bay at this time," said businessman Errol Lamey, of Lamey's Construction Limited.
"In addition to improving the general appearance of the city, it has greatly improved traffic flow, and of course, relieved us from the potholes of the past."
In addition to putting in two additional lanes, extensive drainage works and traffic lights, the road improvement, which started in August 2002 and is being done by contractors WIHCON Infrastruc-ture Limited, will also entail the beautification of the entire corridor.
BEAUTIFICATION
According to Stephen Shaw, the regional communication manager of the National Works Agency, the beautification is a part of the overall contract, and includes flowers and rock gardens.
"The beautification is going reasonably well but we are disappointed that motorists have been stealing the plants," said Mr. Brown.
While traffic flow on the 2.3 kilometre roadway has increased significantly on account of the four permanent traffic lights that have been erected, city officials are reportedly proposing that an additional traffic light be put at the intersection of Barnett Street/Howard Cooke Boulevard to complement those at the Amphitheatre, Market Street/Ho-ward Cooke, Bob Marley Centre and Freeport intersections.
