Traffic management plan finalised for Carnival 2016

Police have announced its traffic management plan for this year’s carnival celebrations and are asking members of the public to adhere to the rules set out in this plan.Inspector in the Traffic Department, Dexter Felix told a media conference on Friday that all is set for Carnival Monday and Tuesday in terms of the traffic plan for the mega event.

However, he said much of the success in terms of executing the plan is dependent on drivers’ conduct and cooperation with the police as they endeavor to ensure that everybody has a safe carnival of the band.

“There would a number of diversions, there will some alterations and interruptions to the normal flow of traffic along the routes that the parade of the bands will take,” Felix said.

According to him, this year’s traffic plan is similar to last year’s and persons would be familiar with it.

Felix said vehicles travelling southbound into Castries will be diverted at the Grande-Riviere intersection, they will travel into Corinth and will use the Balata/Morne Du Don Road to make their way into Castries.

The bypass referred to as the Concrete road which leads to the Zoo, will be made a one-way to vehicular traffic.

“So persons exiting, wishing to head to Castries, they will only be allowed to travel up that road, other persons coming in from Castries to Gros Islet, they will have to use the Balata road,” he explained.

Further, vehicles wishing to travel to the North of the island via the Castries-Gros Islet Highway will continue using the same route, however, motorists are asked to remain on the left side of the lane.

This will leave the inner lane free for emergency purposes and traffic personnel to travel.

Felix told the media that there will be some interruption to bus stands, but noted that alternative arrangements have already been put in place.

“La Croix route will be affected. The bus stand will be relocated to inner relief road. Gros Islet will be relocated to George V; Monchy relocated to Church road and Bexon relocated inner relief road.

Several roads will also be closed. This include the main roundabout at Mega J. Felix said that area will be closed to vehicular traffic one hour before the first band departs for Castries.

“The Castries -Gros Islet Highway from Grande-Riviere intersection will be closed. Lance road at the intersection with John Compton highway will also be closed. And Sans Souci closed at the intersection with John Compton.”

The bands will start at the usual spot, Mega J, and end at the same location in the evening.