Bog Walk Gorge restrictions

The National Works Agency (NWA) will be implementing major changes to the flow of traffic through the Bog Walk Gorge, in St. Catherine on Monday.  

Traffic congestion has been a source of contention for motorists as a result of construction work being done by the National Water Commission.

The NWA says starting on Monday, only south-bound vehicles, those heading towards Spanish Town, will be allowed through the Bog Walk Gorge from seven to nine o'clock on weekday mornings.

The reverse obtains in the afternoons from four to seven o'clock on weekdays, when only north bound vehicles, those heading towards Bog Walk will be allowed through.

Two way traffic will be allowed at all other times.  

Stephen Shaw, the NWA’s Manager of Communication and Customer Services, says motorists should use alternative routes.

“The changes are being implemented for a period of six months until January 2011 in order to facilitate the major pipe-laying activity now being undertaken by the National Water Commission. During the period of restricted access to the Gorge we are advising motorists to use the alternative routes through Sligoville or Barry,” he said.

And reacting to criticisms that the alternative routes leave much to be desired, Mr. Shaw promised improvements.   

“The Sligoville corridor is in a much better condition for driving than the Barry main road, we admit, but there is a commitment from the Agency and the National Water Commission to assist in having the Barry roadway in a better condition in short order. We have it on our major work programme, we are looking to see what we can do almost immediately to ensure that persons can travel along this corridor in a bit more ease,” said Mr. Shaw.

Motorists have been complaining about the length of time it takes to go through the Gorge, as at times they wait for up to an hour before the lines begin to move.