Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has declared an aggressive infrastructure modernization initiative, confirming that long-delayed flyover construction will begin within this calendar year with an 18-month completion target. The announcement, delivered during a parliamentary session, positions the transportation network overhaul as a critical national priority directly tied to economic productivity.
Mottley characterized traffic congestion as a severe economic impediment, stating, “Excessive time spent navigating roadways directly undermines efficient time utilization and national economic performance.” The planned overpasses represent infrastructure the Prime Minister believes should have been constructed two decades ago.
This transportation strategy expands upon earlier indications from Finance Minister Ryan Straughn, who recently identified flyovers as components of a comprehensive traffic management framework. While economic analysts have questioned the government’s capacity to execute these ambitious projects amid global economic uncertainty, Mottley’s administration appears committed to their implementation.
The infrastructure initiative extends beyond flyover construction to include significant highway expansions. Mottley specifically referenced plans to address chronic congestion along Highway 2 from Graeme Hall to Newton, with potential solutions including road widening or additional overpasses, particularly targeting the problematic Kooyman junction at Kendal Hill.
The government is pursuing a multi-faceted transportation approach that includes expanded park-and-ride facilities. A new facility near Waterford will serve high-traffic destinations including the Botanical Gardens, National Stadium, CARIFESTA House, and Geriatric Hospital. Similar transportation hubs are planned for Graeme Hall, Oistins, and western coastal regions.
Concurrently, the administration continues to explore alternative transportation solutions. Mottley reaffirmed commitment to water taxi systems, encouraging private sector collaboration in developing jetty infrastructure along southern and western coastlines. Looking toward future possibilities, the Prime Minister noted that reduced global tunneling costs might make underground transportation between key corridors like Holetown-Bridgetown and Oistins-Bridgetown feasible within the next decade.