Act No. 7709, designating Strand Street in Frederiksted – specifically the block between Hill and Market streets – a one-way street that will operate in a northerly direction, was signed into law by former Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. on Dec. 31, 2014. The law is expected to take effect on April 1.
During the 90-day waiting period ahead of the implementation of the traffic change, however, Sen. Kenneth Gittens, chairman of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, has made contact with the two men and requested that police Commissioner-designee Delroy Richards, Sr. and Public Works Commissioner-designee Gustav James collaborate with each other to inform and educate the public of the change.
“This bill came to the Senate after a breakdown in communication between the departments,” Gittens said. “Now that it has been made law, we need to ensure that the agencies open the lines of communication, and conduct public notification and education for the knowledge and safety of our motoring public.”
Sen. Gittens said proper signage should be posted in the area and roadway identifying parking perimeters and directional flow of traffic, which should be completed before the implementation date.
“It is imperative that we take into consideration the impact of this change to the motoring public and alert the general public in advance,” Gittens continued. “Because of this change, our public information strategy must be aggressive to avoid congestion in the area and avoid any potential security breaches at nearby businesses.”
Sen. Gittens has requested that both nominees advise him of any concerns or suggestions of legislation that could be put in place, if necessary, to assist with the implementation of the traffic change.
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