The driver of the Toyota SUV at right waits for space to round a pothole on Surbiton Road, a popular shortcut from Hope Road on to Waterloo Avenue and the even busier Waterloo Road. - Photos by Marlon Vickerman

What's not working?

It's no secret that the recent downpours that bashed the island have severely damaged roads throughout the Corporate Area. In some instances, this has ground traffic to a crawl or forced motorists to pull out their best obstacle-dodging skills.

Surbiton Road, a shortcut linking Hope and Waterloo roads, forces drivers to tango with terror. Talk about meeting your Waterloo!

Synopsis of situation

Grab your goggles, renew your insurance and cross your fingers, Surbiton promises you a dilly-dallying. death-defying dance through potholes left, right and centre.

When motorists aren't hopscotching holes, they're waiting until traffic in the other lane - with a precious three or four feet of good road - lets up to allow them a chance to get around big craters that make the simultaneous flow of both lanes impossible. Of course, no matter how good a dodger you are, the strong possibility exists that you will plough into a pothole, or two, or three (get the point?).

Dawn Williams, who lives on the road of misfortune, agrees that Surbiton is a horror story, which could have cost her her life. She said that while driving a couple of weeks ago, two of her tyres virtually exploded. Luckily for her, she was not speeding, which could have proved fatal.

Williams added that smaller holes are rippling from the mega craters on Surbiton Road, which lies near the St. Andrew hubs of New Kingston and Half-Way Tree. She also notes that sections of the thoroughfare which were previously repaired have, ironically, become the trouble spots which have worsened in later breakouts.

Who's responsible?

The National Works Agency (NWA).

What's the status?

Stephen Shaw, NWA's communications manager, said because of a long to-do list in the Corporate Area, the agency could not give a timeline for effecting repairs on Surbiton.

Conclusion

Surbiton Road commuters will have to exercise more patience, it seems, as the NWA has bitten off more than it can chew, or was dished too big a plate by the recent showers.

Well, let us look on the bright side: At least Surbiton Road is not as bad as Marcus Garvey Drive. The adage is true - life is always rockier on the other side.

- Marlon Vickerman

Surbiton Road, a strip which is home to several apartment complexes, has become a pothole-plagued nightmare for the motoring public.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Tell us about problems in your community. We will visit and help to lobby for action. Write to: Tyrone Reid, the Gleaner Company Ltd., 7 North Street, Kingston; Fax: 922-6223, Telephone: 922-3400 Ext. 6364 or Email: tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com.