Opposition MP also suggests the work being done does not match residents’ priorities
Statement by Linda Smith, OBA MP for Constituency #31, Southampton West Central:
Residents were surprised to see an announcement that roadworks would begin this morning on Church Road.
They are even more surprised to learn this morning that the work due to be undertaken, does not include anything they have requested, specifically traffic calming measures, safety improvements and remediation work where the road is crumbling. These are issues that residents in the area have been asking Government to deal with for over five years.
Instead, the work set to begin today is filling potholes and paving. There are many other roads in Bermuda that have much bigger potholes than Church Road, so it is disappointing that the issues, which are of increasing concern to residents and road users, are seemly being ignored.
Additionally, had Public Works provided some advance notice, they would also note that Port Royal School is having its Fair this Friday, which will be disrupted by a lane of Church Road being closed to traffic, reduced parking and the roadwork. Certainly, it would be much better if road works could take place during the school break.
As previously pointed out in numerous correspondence to the Government by residents and road users, Church Road is home to two nursery schools, Port Royal Primary School, Southampton Post Office and St. Anne’s Church. In addition to local traffic, Church Road is increasingly used by commercial vehicles as a short-cut between Middle and South Roads. The combination of high traffic volumes and speeding vehicles creates serious safety risks for children, seniors, tourists and residents who use Church Road.
It is unfortunate, however, this abrupt announcement of work on Church Road seems indicative of a lack of planning and consideration of the resident’s and road user’s requests and requirements. Perhaps there could be a reconsideration of the timing and the nature of the work required, as well as consultation with the area so that concerns of the residents and road users can be appropriately addressed.
