The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will begin rolling out new traffic management strategies next month, aimed at improving road safety, easing congestion, and enhancing the daily commute for motorists and pedestrians across the island.
Deputy Chief Technical Officer (Design Services) Jason Bowen said the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s road network and make travel more efficient, especially during peak hours.
“The plan commences during November with a pilot project, as previously announced by the Prime Minister, along certain routes which allows for testing on a small scale to identify potential problems, gather feedback, and refine the plan before a full-scale launch,” Bowen explained. “The pilot stage will also allow for the capturing of valuable additional data as well as the feedback of stakeholders and residents of areas along the pilot traffic corridors.”
Bowen, who oversees national traffic management, said the phased approach will be implemented in consultation with the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Transport Authority, the Transport Board, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives of the Public Service Vehicle sector.
The strategies being introduced include converting certain roads to one-way traffic during peak times, deploying AI-powered traffic lights that adjust in real time to traffic conditions, and linking GPS-equipped buses to the Traffic Management System so their approach can be detected and signal changes adjusted to maintain flow. The plan also involves the establishment of park-and-ride facilities at key locations such as the Wildey Gymnasium, Waterford Boulevard, Oistins, Holetown, and Top Rock.
In an effort to ease congestion around schools, staggered school hours and designated offsite parking zones for drop-offs will also be introduced. Bowen added that the Transport Board’s fleet will be boosted later this year with 35 new electric buses to strengthen the hybrid school transport system that includes both state-owned and privately operated vehicles.
Public consultations will begin next week to allow residents, businesses, and other road users to share feedback on the changes. The MTW said the rollout will continue in stages throughout the coming year, with regular updates to be shared via its official communication channels. (MTW)
