SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland – The National Works Agency is now doing a $400,000 traffic survey in Savanna-la-mar as they try to reduce traffic congestion in the town by the end of August.

The two-week survey, which began on May 10, is being funded by the Westmoreland Parish Council. The NWA is gathering information on the traffic flow, particularly at major intersections in the town.

“As a start we are doing a study to ascertain the best solution to the problem,” Stephen Shaw the NWA’s community relations officer for the western region told the Observer.

“We might have a reversal of streets which are now one-way, as well as streets which are now one-way might be used to accommodate dual traffic.”

Like many other major towns in the island, Savanna-la-mar has seen a massive increase in the flow of traffic in recent times. This has led to increased congestion, especially along Great George’s Street which ends in a cul-de-sac.

Meanwhile, Shaw said that the regulation of parking in the town would also have to be addressed. The police, he added, supported the move and would ensure that motorists obey road rules.

At the same time, the community relations officer suggested that perhaps the best solution to the parking problem would be the construction of a permanent structure where the town’s buses and taxis can park.

The NWA has spent in excess of $500 million on road rehabilitation in Westmoreland over the past three years.

Another $100 million will soon be spent on the rehabilitation of additional roadways – from Locust Tree to Truro Gate and from Torrington to Galloway.