Timing of junction repair does not make any sense
WHATEVER happened to common sense and planning in Guernsey? There is no doubting the La Couture/Collins Road/Fosse Andre junction was in desperate need of repair. In fact it should have been done a long time before now. The trouble is the timing of its repair. Surely the time to do such a busy junction should have been during the six weeks the schools were closed for the summer holidays. Sadly no – the hierarchy decide it would be better to do the work during the school term and in the weeks building up to Christmas. One could also question the closure of the roads around roadworks in the island these days as well – because there are more and more exit roads too close to a major operation closed off as well. The pile-up of vehicles does not help when drivers are trying to get somewhere and will not let anyone out – and into the main stream of traffic – when trying to exit side roads. Surely a temporary filter could be put in place at the end of places like the bottom of Mont Arrive and other areas with the same problem – especially when a long term road mending is in operation. Just a thought.
ROD HAMON
5 Rosemount
St Peter Port
Response from a Traffic and Highway Services spokesperson:
Guernsey is currently seeing a high level of applications for roadworks, as it seeks to improve local infrastructure for islanders. This includes major works being undertaken to install high-speed broadband, improvements to worn roads and enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure, work to maintain water supplies, and upgrades to the electricity network. Much of this work, particularly that around the electricity infrastructure, is being done as we seek to reduce our carbon use and to install the critical infrastructure required to service the hospital redevelopment.
Unfortunately, as we all know, Guernsey has a limited number of options for diversion routes for motorised vehicles. We would like to remind people, however, that access through roadworks is maintained for those walking or travelling by bike wherever possible, which can avoid the delays brought about by these necessary improvement works.
The roadworks policy does limit the number of works on the island’s major roads that take place at the same time, and also ensures that diversions will not normally overlap unless emergency works are required. Traffic & Highway Services will continue to consider applications based on policy and the urgency and essential nature of the works required.
Road users can find out more information on upcoming roadworks on our Facebook page or at https://gov.gg/roadworks to help plan their journeys and allow them to consider their transport choices as appropriate.