Third lane closure on East Bank causing traffic chaos

Bumper-to-bumper traffic at another section of the East Bank public road on Tuesday.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic at another section of the East Bank public road on Tuesday.

The closure to traffic of a third lane along the East Bank of Demerara roadway during  peak hours has caused major chaos over the past two days and Traffic Chief Linden Isles said that the situation will be reviewed today.

Stabroek News understands that the third lane, which is usually opened to commuters heading in and out of Georgetown during the morning and afternoon rush hours was closed since Tuesday.

There has also not been any ‘double lane’ traffic on the Demerara Harbour Bridge. It remains unclear why the decision was taken and on whose instruction the measure was implemented.

Buildup of traffic on the East Bank Demerara yesterday morning.

However, the situation is one that has affected thousands of commuters, many of whom have been late for work, school, important meetings and doctor’s appointments.

Contacted yesterday, Isles said the two lanes only were used on Tuesday and yesterday.

While he did not provide a reason as to why the measure was implemented, Isles said the situation will be “reviewed” today.

“It is something that we will review tomorrow (today),”he noted.

Many persons were up to late last evening still complaining about being stranded at one location for a prolonged period because of the traffic buildup.

The traffic situation, this newspaper was told saw bumper-to-bumper traffic as far as Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara. Vehicles heading to Georgetown from the West Coast of Demerara and West Bank of Demerara were stalled from as far as Vreed-en-Hoop and La Grange, respectively.