Jost Van Dyke adopts one-way system on
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 after residents and business operators petitioned for change. Directional signage has been installed and the one-way system is now in effect; officials say the change aims to improve safety, traffic flow and access for emergency and service vehicles, and further roadworks raised by residents will be reviewed for implementation.
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 after residents and business operators petitioned for change, the ministry said. The new traffic arrangement applies to the stretch of road from the vicinity of Rudy's Marketplace eastward to Foxy's Tamarind Bar.
Directional signage has been installed and the one-way system is now in effect, officials confirmed. The decision followed the submission of a letter carrying more than 160 signatures from island residents requesting changes to improve safety and operations along the narrow main corridor through Great Harbour.
Residents and stakeholders used a subsequent meeting to outline specific safety concerns and operational challenges affecting both residents and businesses along the roadway, the ministry said. VINO reported that the meeting included Communications and Works Minister Kye M. Rymer (R5); Permanent Secretary Elvia Smith Maduro; Second District Representative Melvin M.
Turnbull; Chief of Infrastructure Duane A. Fraites; and representatives from the Public Works Department and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, alongside residents and other stakeholders. Minister Rymer said the ministry will ensure the requests of Jost Van Dyke residents are actioned in a safe and transparent manner.
He noted that the traffic change aims to address, if not fully resolve, the challenges faced by residents and businesses along that stretch of road, and added: "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." Officials expect the revised traffic pattern to reduce conflict points on the narrow corridor, improve the flow of vehicles during busy periods and allow better access for emergency and service vehicles.
The ministry said motorists are expected to comply with the new signage and traffic directions now in place. In addition to the immediate one-way change, the ministry indicated that further concerns raised during consultations will be addressed through future infrastructure works.
Roadworks and other civil mitigation projects identified at the meeting will be reviewed, scheduled and communicated to residents in due course, the ministry added. For residents and business owners on Jost Van Dyke, the change reflects a government response to local advocacy and highlights ongoing efforts to address transport and infrastructure issues on the smaller islands of the Virgin Islands.
Officials said they will continue to monitor the new traffic arrangement and engage with the island community on the next steps.
Primary source: BVI News