Jost Van Dyke gets one-way traffic system after residents’ petition

The Ministry of Communications and Works has approved and commissioned a one-way traffic system along a section of Great Harbour Road on Jost Van Dyke following requests from residents and business operators.

The new arrangement applies to the stretch of road from the vicinity of Rudy’s Marketplace eastward to Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Directional signs have already been installed and the one-way system is now in effect, according to the ministry.

The decision followed the submission of a letter bearing more than 160 signatures from island residents. The matter was subsequently discussed at a meeting involving Works Minister Kye Rymer, Permanent Secretary Elvia Smith Maduro, Second District Representative Melvin Turnbull, Chief of Infrastructure Duane Fraites, representatives of the Public Works Department, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, residents and other stakeholders.

According to the ministry, residents and stakeholders used the meeting to outline safety concerns and operational challenges affecting both residents and businesses along the roadway.

“The ministry will ensure that the requests of Jost Van Dyke residents are actioned in a safe and transparent manner. This traffic change will address, if not resolve, the challenges that residents and businesses along that stretch of road currently face,” Rymer stated.

Future infrastructure works

He also indicated that additional concerns raised by residents would be addressed through future infrastructure works.

“There are some roadworks and other civil mitigation projects that the residents raised as well, which the ministry will be following up on and executing in short order. The ministry remains committed to the people of the Virgin Islands, and in this instance to the people of Jost Van Dyke,” Rymer stated.

The ministry said motorists are expected to comply with the new signage and traffic directions. Officials anticipate that the revised traffic flow will improve safety, ease movement through the area and provide better access for emergency and service vehicles. Additional roadworks and civil mitigation measures identified during discussions with residents are also expected to be reviewed and scheduled.

Further details on the additional projects raised by residents are expected to be communicated at a later date, the ministry said.