NWA implements traffic changes at Marcus Garvey Drive and East Avenue intersection to ease congestion

The National Works Agency has moved to implement traffic changes along Marcus Garvey Drive and East Avenue in St Andrew to ease congestion amid the start of a new school year on Monday.

Effective Monday, September 7, there will be a dedicated left lane along Marcus Garvey Drive and the strict enforcement of no-stopping and no-parking rules along lower East Avenue.

U-turning movements at the intersection will also be forbidden.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, says that the changes are being made to reduce morning peak delays along Marcus Garvey Drive.

It was indicated that delays along the corridor impact vehicular access from several locations, including the Portmore Toll Road.

Shaw says that based on traffic studies of the location, more than 13,000 vehicles use this intersection daily, including more than 1,400 trucks during the busiest hour in the mornings.

Shaw says that the studies show that to effectively move traffic via the Marcus Garvey Drive/East Avenue intersection, a minimum of two through lanes are required.

He said the changes will add capacity for through traffic along the corridor, while at the same time reducing the delays and/or bottlenecks being experienced along East Avenue due to illegal manoeuvres.

He says that the NWA and the police will be monitoring the changes and will make adjustments should these become necessary.

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