The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is partnering with the National Works Agency, Trelawny Parish Council, Jamaica Constabulary Force and other stakeholders in the implementation of a new traffic management plan for Falmouth. This is to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic in and around Falmouth with Water Square and several adjoining roads being pedestrianised. This will also provide an opportunity for the paving works project for Water Square and the adjoining roads in Falmouth, which is being undertaken by the Port Authority of Jamaica, through contractors Pihl & Son.
This has necessitated the closure of Water Square as of February 6, 2011
The following traffic changes will now obtain during this period:
- Motorist travelling into Falmouth from Rock turn left onto Tharpe Street then right onto Market Street towards the town centre.
- Motorist travelling along the Falmouth Bypass exit at the Market Street overpass travel north bound along Market Street towards the town centre
- Motorist wishing to exit Falmouth are advised to travel south bound along Market Street and access the Falmouth Bypass or west along Duke St.
- Cornwall Street will be one way eastbound from Rodney Street to Market Street.
- Duke Street will be one way westbound from Market Street to Rodney Street.
- Rodney Street from Duke Street to Cornwall Street will be one way northbound
According to Mayor Colin Gager, ‘the pedestrianisation of Water Square is aimed at increasing business opportunities, promoting a unique shopping experience, cleaning up the town centre, developing a public recreational space and making the town friendlier to visitors. Continuing, he notes that the ultimate aim is to transform the town of Falmouth and its environs as it develops into a cruise ship destination.
The new traffic management plan will see pedestrians being given controlled access to Water Square, however, vehicular traffic including articulated lorries (tractor-trailers) and large trucks will not be allowed into the Town Centre. During the period, commuters can access a temporary bus and taxi stand located at the Assemblies of Holiness Church, at the end of Market Street, Falmouth.
Plans also look to the establishment of additional and significant parking facility on approximately 4,000 square metres of land nearby on Tharpe Street. This will minimize any dislocation to motorists, the business community and residents and will go a far way in making the pedestrianisation of Water Square a viable proposition as planned.