Have I got a picture for you....

[georgelenard]

That is it! Negril will never be the same!

[yetta]

Not sure how effective a traffic light will slow down drivers on NMB particularly since there is no cross traffic at these intersections. A few well marked speed bumps on the other hand would probably be more effective and cheaper. The transition from no traffic lights to even one in a small town probably has some symbolism...I would rather it not occur in Negril, but improved road safety conditions are needed.

I see your point. I also feel very strongly about better road safety conditions...but, the "sleeping police" marked speed bumps probably would be quite effective, maybe cheaper since no power required and less likely to be effected by high winds or hurricanes. However, this is only a thought and not meant to "rain on any parade". Anything that saves a life is worth it! Sidewalks would be great too! The best part of it...is that SOMETHING IS BEING DONE...and that is a great start.

[suzengrace]

I couldn't agree more with what you posted Yetta....as wha gwan....

[yetta]

Thanks Suzengrace! I almost didn't post it, fearing that some would take it the wrong way. Life is precious and can be taken away so very quickly. I truly appreciate your comment. Respect mi lady..

[suzengrace]

I hear you Yetta...But after so many years -its excellent to see something being done in a positive note...I just hope they one day they put a few speed bumps on the west end road-sidewalks arent as easily placed in many areas along that road-and as more of a convenience to pedestrians than stopping the speeders..but speed bumps-that should slow down many of the speeders-we can only hope..but again -great news for manley blvd/beach road..

[Rob]

For more details about all the improvements on the way, here are two articles from December outlining the plans that are already underway - one from the Mirror and one from the Observer.

http://www.westernmirror.com/index.p...link/5929.html

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/weste...egril_13201052

As stated, the issue has been in development for years. As with any major roadway infrastructure changes, there had to be the proper studies, measures and various solutions discussed before implementing any such changes. Improperly implemented changes can lead to other unexpected issues and problems that would then need to be dealt with.

Traffic control measures such as the traffic lights and medians that are in the works are much preferable to the speed bumps and humps being discussed here by some. As any city planner or road planning website will mention, putting speed bumps or humps on any major thoroughfare (which the beach road is) is not only impractical but also extremely dangerous. While Norman Manley Blvd is a major artery for western Jamaica, it is also used as an emergency route for the surrounding areas and to place such measures as speed bumps on the road is dangerous for emergency vehicles and should never be used. All knowledgeable city planners and road developers know this simple fact. To do so can cost lives instead of saving them.

Lisa and I have been noticing the placement of traffic pattern monitors to measure the flow, speed, number of vehices, etc. placed on the beach road for quite some time and now we are seeing the fruits of the labour that has already been done. There are three sets of lights installed on the beach road to be used as traffic control measures as well as pedestrian crossings. Sidewalks and medians are coming next and should be completed by the end of this year. And as for pedestrians, there is still need to use the common sense practice of "stop, look and listen" and "look both ways" before you cross the street that we all learned as children.

As mentioned in the articles, as soon as the work on the beach road is finished, the concentration will focus on the West End Road known as One Love Drive. Similar solutions including the sidewalks are being planned for there as well.

And VVHT, I already posted a picture of our latest ambulance at the fire station back in August of last year... (grin)

http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...Station-is-now