Roundabout plans for Providence junction |29 August 2005

The decision to install the traffic circle comes after a number of accidents in the area – some of them fatal – and following a thorough analysis of how the problem could be resolved, said senior project engineer Lemmy Payet with the Land Transport Division (LTD).

A traffic circle was found to be the most convenient option, he said, because it represented a physical means to slow drivers down, especially with excessive speed identified as one of the primary causes of the highway junction’s related accidents.
The roundabout also was among the cheaper alternatives.

Because of the staggered nature of the current setup at the junction, the existing road that links Cascade with the highway will be closed, while another road that better lines up with the entrance into Providence will be re-opened and diverted to suit the roundabout.

A pedestrian crossing will also form part of the project and will be located on the Victoria side of the roundabout. The walkway will be slightly elevated – almost like a speed bump – for drivers to be able to see pedestrians more clearly, Mr Payet said.

There are longer-term plans for an overhead walkway over the road, but designs are still being finalised.

Mr Payet said the safe approach speed for the proposed roundabout would be about 40 kph. However, the size of the circle, he added, was designed to accommodate projected traffic flow and would not result in vehicles having to queue.

Three lanes will approach the roundabout in each direction, he noted, minimising confusion for drivers. The centre circle will be the site of a waterfall monument.

The Providence Highway, Seychelles’ first dual carriageway, opened in 2000 at a total cost of R22 million, following three years of work.

As yet no costs have been estimated for the construction of the roundabout, because it is expected to be at least partially financed by the private sector. Mr Payet said representatives from various companies realised the importance of the project and have offered to provide assistance through materials and labour.

While closure of the highway during some phases of construction would be “inevitable,” Mr Payet said LTD would try to minimise delays as much as possible, and would keep drivers aware of road closures through radio messages and signage.