Barbados authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of Drag Fest 2025, scheduled for this Saturday and Monday, warning motorists to anticipate significant disruptions along critical transportation corridors. The Barbados Association of Dragsters and Drifters (BADD) will host the automotive event from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days, necessitating complete closure of the ABC Highway between Norman Niles (Haggatt Hall) Roundabout and Clyde Walcott (The Turning) Roundabout.
Law enforcement agencies have implemented stringent measures to manage the anticipated congestion, with police warning that violations of temporary traffic regulations could result in substantial penalties—including $500 fines or imprisonment for up to three months. Officers will be strategically deployed throughout the affected region to direct vehicular movement and enforce compliance.
The closure extends beyond the ABC Highway to include Belle Road (both East and West sections) from Lower Estate to My Lords Hill intersections. Authorities have established detailed diversion routes: Motorists traveling westward from Bussa may redirect via Norman Niles Roundabout to My Lords Hill, proceeding to Bridge Road and Station Hill before reaching Clyde Walcott Roundabout. Alternative routes include detours through Salters and Charles Rowe Bridge to Lower Estate Road.
For southbound traffic from Warrens, drivers may reroute left at Clyde Walcott Roundabout toward Lower Estate and Belle Road, continuing to Charles Rowe Bridge before advancing to Salters and Norman Niles. The secondary option involves right turns at Clyde Walcott toward Station Hill traffic lights, then left onto Bridge Road through My Lords Hill.
Strict no-parking zones will be enforced along ABC Highway, Waterford Road, The Turning, Salters, and Belle Road. To mitigate parking challenges, organizers will operate park-and-ride services from Queen’s College, Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, The Botanical Gardens, and Sky Mall (exclusively on Monday). Emergency services including Police, Barbados Defence Force, and Fire Service vehicles remain exempt from all restrictions.