Sears says newly launched Traffic Management Centre first phase to cost $1.8m

Minister of Works Alfred Sears yesterday announced the launch of the first phase of the ministry’s Traffic Management Centre. Photo: Austin Fernander

As of Wednesday, May 24, 2023

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works and Utilities launched the first phase of its Traffic Management Centre yesterday.

Establishing the TMC allows for monitoring traffic signal intersections, traffic management strategies, and coordinating with stakeholders during special events, emergencies or normal traffic signal operations.

Works Minister Alfred Sears said the project was first introduced in 2019.

He said the TMC would serve as the “nerve centre” of the New Providence traffic system, with the first phase estimated to cost approximately $1.8m.

“This centre will serve as the nerve centre of our city’s traffic system, utilizing the latest technologies and intelligent solutions to improve performances, efficiency and collect much-needed data so evidence-based decisions can be made,” he said.

He said upgrading the infrastructure addresses traffic congestion and road safety. He said it was costly to maintain the previous system.

“In this initial phase, I am pleased to report that we have achieved a remarkable progress, having successfully upgraded approximately 80 per cent of traffic signals out of 80 traffic signals in the network with above-ground detection cameras throughout the country,” he said.

“These cameras are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will enable us to capture real-time data on traffic patterns, congestion points and potential bottlenecks. The insights gained from these cameras will serve as the foundation for smarter decision making and more efficient traffic signal timing optimisation for enhanced efficiency.”

Mr Sears said in the long term, a new building will be constructed to house the TMC in the Ministry of Works’ compound.

ThisIsOurs 1 year, 7 months ago

Good. I hope you catch all these people using the turning lane to jump ahead of traffic, who turn left on red right into the path of right of way traffic, who make 3 point turns in the road, who make a 3rd lane on prince charles, who casually stroll through the red light from Fox Hill straight up to robinson road, who plop their cars across the street to turn into traffic impeding the flow, the people who park half on the sidewalk half in the street by the bbq joint next to shell prince charles, the pedestrians constantly jaywalking ...

Dawes 1 year, 7 months ago

If they did that they could pay off most of the debt. But that also means doing their job so highly doubtful.

themessenger 1 year, 7 months ago

More hot air, wasted time and money for no tangible results. 80% of the traffic lights don’t work and those that do aren’t properly synchronized, and we’re still waiting for the ones on the new and improved Village Road Improvements project to be put back into service after almost two years, Sears, you need to go blow smoke up someone else’s ass.

ThisIsOurs 1 year, 7 months ago

The news is reporting that a child is in serious condition after being hit by a car on Independence highway, the advice from the police was for drivers to "watch out for pedestrians". This is very bad advice.

Do not get me wrong, the last thing anyone wants imprinted on their brain is the image of a damaged human body, much less a child, much less my child, much less me being responsible for the damage.

But the advice to caution cars on a motor speedway to watch put for pedestrians is crazy. Road Traffic is right across the street. What I'd be doing today is calling an emergency meeting at the school to have intensive interactive sessions on safe pedestrian road use. And these sessions would continue year round.

A pedestrian randomly running across the street is endangering the lives of the people in the car directly in front of them, the car that has to do slam on brakes behind, the car that gets thrown into the ditch after its rammed by the person trying to avoid the child, the car that goes into an uncontrolled turnover trying to avoid all of it. This is why jaywalking is illegal, its extremely dangerous to the jaywalkers and everybody around the jaywalker

Hopefully the child is ok. I cant see how anyone on a speedway could be charged... it's a speedway..if anyone stopped to allow the child to cross, setting in motion the series of steps to this accident, they're the ones who should be charged