THE NATIONAL Works Agency have downplayed difficulties faced by motorists using the new traffic arrangements in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew after chaos greeted early-morning commuters yesterday.
Petra-Keane Williams, acting head of communications at the National Works Agency, said it was a matter of teething pains.
"When you are implementing new traffic changes it's going to be challenging," she said. "It takes months before people adjust."
She told The Gleaner the morning rush was the most challenging, adding that there was a better flow of traffic after changes were made to the timing adjustments of stop lights at Eastwood Park Road, Courtney Walsh Drive (formerly Derrymore Road) and Constant Spring Road.
LONG LINES
Several motorists traversing the Half-Way Tree area yesterday morning were forced to wait in long lines as a result of the traffic changes which took effect Sunday.
A journey, which would have taken less than 15 minutes from Molynes Road to Half-Way Tree, took close to an hour as the traffic was almost at a standstill.
Motorists could be heard venting their frustration as they bitterly complained that they were late for work.
Bus drivers also withdrew service temporarily in protest against the route changes.
Congestion could also be seen on Derrymore Road where the vehicles were diverted. Many complained that the road was too small to accommodate the volume of traffic and suggested it should be widened.
