It’s Official: No More Two-Way On Strand Street

A section of Strand Street, located at the waterfront in Frederiksted, is now a one-way street according to Act No. 7709, which was signed into law by former governor, John de Jongh, on Dec. 31.

The new law took effect on Wednesday, April 1, and Sen. Kenneth Gittens, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety, is reminding motorists to pay attention to the new markings that are already in place.

The one-way restriction will specifically apply to the block between Hill and Market Streets, according to a statement released from Gittens’ office on Wednesday.

The senator said he personally saw the new signs and road crews from the Department of Public Works striping and marking the roadway to indicate a one-way traffic flow. However, he was prompted to take action when he noticed that most motorists had not observed the change.

“I noticed that most of the motorists were unaware that the change was in effect; therefore, the police chief was immediately contacted so that an officer could be stationed in the area to instruct and direct motorists,” Gittens said in the statement.

In lieu of an “extensive” public-education campaign, it’s still up to motorists to adapt to the change and it’s up to the police department to enforce the law, according to Gittens.

“Many motorists had been driving this same route as a two-way street for decades, but the law has changed and the only option now is to adhere to the law by obeying the posted street signs,” Gittens said. “Today is April 1st, but not this is not an ‘All Fools’ prank.”

In early February, Gittens called on Police Commissioner-Designee Delroy Richards, Sr. and Public Works Commissioner-Designee Gustav James to collaborate with each other in an effort to inform and educate the public of the change.

The new law “came to the Senate after a breakdown in communication between the departments,” Gittens said at the time.

“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,” he said in February.