The difference between controlling and minimizing

Feb 17, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Someone had told me about an article that appeared some time back which suggested that the traffic situation in the mornings at the western approach to the DHB was being better managed. If so, then that statement is ludicrous to say the least. The DHB Management seems to be completely focused on controlling the traffic. I think and do believe that the focus should be on minimizing the build- up.
Almost every morning I arrive at the western end of the bridge at approximately 620 am. It takes me on average, 35 minutes to cross because at that time the traffic is very heavy. I decided to use the time spent in the traffic to find a workable solution to the chaos. What is clear is that the Police ranks are incapable of stopping the chaotic over-taking that takes place right before their eyes because I suspect that a lot of those impatient drivers are themselves Police ranks or from some other level of officialdom. This contributes significantly to the chaos. So the best solution to this chaotic situation is to minimize the congestion.
Towards this end, I started counting the amount of vehicles that crossed from east to west while I waited and the average I got was 81 in 20 minutes. Twice during the afternoon rush hour, I stopped at the western end and in 10 minutes I counted 148 vehicles that crossed from east to west. So I came up with the following suggestions:
1. Beginning from 615 am which sees the start of the congestion, close the crossing from east to west for 20 minutes and operate the double lane for vehicles crossing from west to east.
2. After the 20 minutes period is up, re-open the eastern crossing for 10 minutes. This would allow the 81 or so vehicles sufficient time to cross.
3. Reclose the eastern crossing after the 10 minutes and restart the double lane for another 20 minutes. This activity should continue in the intervals mentioned until let’s say 830am.
Now we have the problem of safely releasing the traffic crossing from west to east into the traffic coming from the east bank. This can be achieved by:
1. Making the eastern carriageway into one lane traffic going south.
2. Directing traffic from the EBD headed into Georgetown into the now available lane from the vicinity of the stadium or thereabouts
3. Close the western most lane (the lane closest to the DHB) in the vicinity of the Peters Hall School street of the north bound carriageway to traffic headed into Georgetown from the EBD. This will ensure there is still 2 lanes available to traffic headed north and make it safe for vehicles turning north from the bridge
4. Have the traffic lights control the traffic headed north and south at the junction of the EBD road (except for the traffic coming off the bridge turning north) and the DHB. This will allow vehicles wishing to turn south from the DHB or to turn west from Georgetown to the DHB access road to do so safely as well as pedestrians crossing either way
For the 20 minute closures, control of the traffic headed east on the bridge is paramount when the change is made to a single lane. What can be done is start merging the traffic into a single lane in the vicinity of the high level span or just below it on the eastern side. Police ranks can be stationed intermittently along the route with the aim of ensuring safety and prosecuting those that disobey the signage to merge. Enforcement of the instruction is paramount if these suggestions are deemed are deemed workable and is implemented.
John London

Latest News

The difference between controlling and minimizing

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport endorses Mashramani Street...

Guyanese boxers shine in IBA World Rankings ahead...

Motie returns for Day/Night affair, as fired-up...

Daniel Singh pockets East Bank Pool crown

Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS...

Cricket West Indies passes historic governance...

Features/Columnists

Guyana’s silence represents a shocking neglect of its national interest

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Corruption – at epidemic proportion

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

The difference between controlling and minimizing

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]