When the new school year begins on Monday, traffic on New Providence is expected to increase dramatically as parents of school-aged children try to navigate through the ongoing New Providence Road Improvement Project.
To assist in easing the flow of traffic, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is expected to deploy as many as 130 officers to deal with possible congestion in the capital Monday morning.
In total, about five schools will be affected by ongoing road works: C.I. Gibson Senior High, St. Augustine's College (SAC), Doris Johnson Senior High, Faith Temple School and C.R. Walker High School.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Dennis Sturrup of the RBPF Traffic Division said police are most concerned about congestion at the intersection of Prince Charles Drive.
During a road works tour yesterday, environmental specialist in the Ministry of Public Works, Shenique Albury, said work on Prince Charles Drive is progressing steadily.
"The works in this area are well advanced," she said. "We have been able to pave since July, and we're working our way west along Prince Charles Drive. Every area has its own timeline, and what we're trying to get people to understand is that we're working in sections.
"The first section was between Pine Barren Road and the junction of Fox Hill Road. The second section is between Pine Barren and College Garden Road."
The ministry has designed routes intended to provide easy access to the schools.
Those traveling to C.I. Gibson are encouraged to use the Wulff Road round-about, and later Samana Drive, once its reopened in the near future.
Those traveling westbound to SAC should use Fox Hill Road via Springfield Road.
People traveling east should use Prince Charles Drive as usual, but note that only local access will be given.
Those going to Doris Johnson will be granted westbound access on Prince Charles Drive.
Those traveling east along Prince Charles Drive can take the detour through Beatrice Avenue to Fox Hill Road and then go back onto Prince Charles Drive.
Access to those trying to reach Faith Temple can reach the school heading west on Prince Charles Drive through Pine Barren Road.
For those headed to C.R. Walker, the recommended route is via Market Street at School Lane, or Blue Hill Road to Hay Street, then onto Market Street and School Lane.
In addition, works officials advise all pedestrians to heed warnings on work sites, and stay outside work zones as much as possible.

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