The new Bailey bridge that was recently constructed to replace the collapsed Hope River bridge is proving to be a nightmare for some residents of St Thomas and some sections of the Corporate Area.

Two weeks ago, news that the bridge was open to vehicular traffic was well received by commuters, who had essentially been trapped in their communities after the bridge was destroyed during Tropical Storm Gustav. Now, two weeks after the opening, things are far from perfect.

Peak hours

Commuters travelling to Kingston are greeted by long lines of traffic during peak hours in the morning and evening, adding up to 45 minutes to their travel time in some instances.

James Wellington, one commuter from St Thomas, told THE STAR "It's terrible, man. The other morning I thought I was early. I met the traffic at the Shooters Hill crossing about 6:20 and it took me almost an hour, about 40 to 45 minutes to get to the bridge."

This journey usually takes 10 minutes or less. He added, "I can't deal with this for two years, or however long dem seh."

Kevin White, a student, also from St Thomas, attends school in the Corporate Area and told THE STAR that he met the traffic in the Bay View community on Monday morning at 7:40.

He did not get to the bridge until almost 8:30. The Bay View community, on a normal day, is only about 20 to 25 minutes away from the bridge.

Shanette Munroetravels to Kingston every morning from Retreat in St Thomas. She said "I have to leave about quarter to six. I usually meet the traffic at Copacabana at 6:30 or 6:45, and then it's about 45 minutes before I get to the bridge. This morning [Monday] I was late because I had to turn back for something. It's like no matter how early you leave, everyone is leaving early too."

Buying more gas

She said before the start of the new school year, the traffic started at St Benedict's Heights, which is a five-minute drive from the bridge. Nowadays it takes almost 20 minutes from that point.

"We have to be buying more gas. I am tired of buying gas and people are late for school and work. By the time I get over the bridge, I am meeting up on the Kingston traffic in places like Mountain View or South Camp Road."

THE STAR was also told that some pedestrians opt to walk to the bridge from as far away as Eight Miles in Bull Bay, St Andrew, and by all accounts, these people get there before some of the motorists.

In the evenings, things are much the same. Wellington said "Going over in the evening, you have three lanes merging at the roundabout. Sometimes the traffic starts as far as the Cement Company. It's terrible man, terrible."

The single-lane bridge was opened to vehicular traffic on September 2 and can only accommodate small vehicles.

Names changed on request.