A recently installed traffic signal at the problematic Vernon Street and Collet Canal intersection in Belize City has unexpectedly exacerbated seasonal congestion issues during the critical Christmas shopping period. Despite official intentions to improve traffic flow, motorists report increased chaos at this crucial junction adjacent to the bustling fish market, where a bridge and four-directional traffic converge.
Traffic Enforcement Manager Mauricio Gonzalez acknowledged the challenges while defending the new infrastructure. “The traffic lights were recently installed,” Gonzalez stated. “We’re still in a sensitization period, which is why we have an officer stationed there as a precaution.”
The intersection’s complex traffic patterns appear mismatched with the newly implemented two-lane signaling system, creating confusion among drivers during peak holiday shopping hours. Gonzalez emphasized that authorities anticipated heightened traffic volumes and implemented strategic measures, including positioning officers at critical locations for rapid response to incidents.
Despite public frustration, Gonzalez maintains that “the lights are working” and that the presence of traffic personnel represents a precautionary measure rather than system failure. The situation highlights the challenges of urban infrastructure improvements during high-traffic seasonal periods, with officials urging patience as drivers adapt to the new configuration.