With the Netherlands having made 550 million euros available for St. Maarten’s recovery from Hurricane Irma’s destructive passage in September 2017, of which 470 million via the World Bank-managed Trust Fund, one would think there might be enough money for a traffic light. The only one on the island was broken by the superstorm after it had been repaired not long before, following an extended period out of service.
The intention here is not to ridicule the rather elaborate and bureaucratic manner this Dutch rebuilding assistance is being dispersed, but to point out an ongoing traffic hazard at Prins Bernhard Bridge. The junction of W.J.A. Nisbeth Road, Long Wall Road, Bush Road and A.Th. Illidge Road is extremely dangerous without working lights.
Most people by now seem to know Nisbeth and Bush Roads have the right of way, but daily practice also shows one can’t always count on that. What’s more, motorists on the other two streets must still try to navigate the busy crossing with a restricted view.
There have consequently been lots of car crashes there recently, although thankfully not too many of a serious nature. The latter is no doubt due to drivers being courteous and patient, but it only takes one hot-head to cause a major collision.
So, if there are financial means to fix the police stations and otherwise strengthen law enforcement as well as other emergency services, would a single – badly needed – traffic light be too much to ask? Perhaps one could simply be purchased and installed without requiring a lengthy public bidding process, before it is no longer just “an accident waiting to happen.”
