George Henry, Gleaner Writer
SPALDINGS, Clarendon:
CONSTRUCTION OF a transportation centre in Spaldings, Clarendon, has finally started after the initial start-up date was pushed back several times.
Checks by The Gleaner revealed that work began last Wednesday and efforts are being made to have the facility useable for the Christmas season.
Assistant Superintendent for Roads and Works at the Clarendon Parish Council, Ellord Robinson, said the facility is being put in place to help ease traffic congestion in Spaldings.
Mr. Robinson said the project will need just under $8 million to complete and that he has been allocated just over $1.3 million to date to carry out work for this month, with the view to have it useable for the festive season under the first phase of the project. It is expected that more money will be received from the Ministry of Local Government in January to continue the work.
The land where the transportation centre is being built was acquired by the Clarendon Parish Council with the help of the Ministry of Local Government. Phase one of the project include the grading of the area, shingling, marling and then pressing, so that bus and taxi operators will be able to use it for the holiday. After the Christmas, the area will be asphalted and sanitary conveniences put in place.
ONE-WAY SYSTEM
Mr. Robinson said on completion, the facility should be able to accommodate 80 to 100 vehicles. He said a one-way system will be implemented at the transport centre, with vehicles entering from the main road near the service station adjacent to the facility, and exiting on a parochial road known as Kyle, below the centre.
All public transport vehicles will have to operate out of the facility when it becomes useable, Mr. Robinson said.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for North West Clarendon, Richard Azan, has welcomed the construction of the transportation centre.
Mr. Azan said he hopes that transport operators will use the facility with care and that they will stop using the town centre as they have been doing over many years.
