George Town traffic disruptions ahead as revitalisation project nears completion

Over the next two weeks, a one-way traffic system will operate along Seafarers Way, the main thoroughfare on the George Town waterfront, while work on the first phase of the capital’s revitalisation project nears completion.

According to a government press release, Seafarers Way between Fort Street and Goring Avenue will only be open to one-way traffic from 4pm Thursday, 27 Oct., until 4pm Thursday, 10 Nov. Local access will still be available.

From 4pm until 7pm during this period, the road will be open to southbound traffic, and from 7pm to 4pm, it will be open to northbound traffic.

Large trucks and container trailers travelling north during this time will be rerouted at Memorial Avenue to help mitigate congestion, the statement noted.

The lane is being closed while Seafarers Way is readied for “final enhancement work”, as the George Town Revitalisation Initiative’s Central Business District Enhancement Phase One Project nears completion, the press release stated.

As part of the project, a section of Cardinall Avenue is being turned into a pedestrian-only street. All major work is complete on Cardinall Avenue, which has included enhancements to underground infrastructure, new street lighting and landscaping, and new urban furniture will be added, the release said.

As part of this last phase of the project, Seafarers Way will gain two pedestrian crossings that will connect the new Cardinall Avenue to Seafarers Way’s pocket park on the waterfront, as well as additional landscaping and the installation of a solar-powered smart bench that will offer free WiFi, courtesy of SALT Technology.

“By reimagining the central business district as a whole, we are improving the overall experience through pedestrianised streets, shared cycleways and modern technology,” George Town Manager and Revitalisation Initiative Coordinator Colin Lumsden said. “The pedestrianisation of Grand Cayman’s most famous shopping street will help to create a highly attractive destination for visitors and a richer urban experience for residents.”

Over the weekend, a section of Seafarers Way was closed off as the work got under way, and this will continue in the coming weeks to reduce the volume of vehicle traffic along the waterfront to accommodate the final works, the release noted.

“This project has not been without its challenges, as we navigated through the supply chain issues, and scarcity and rising costs of construction materials, that were being experienced globally,” Lumsden said. “Thank you to our project partners for all their hard work and support, as well as the local businesses and general public for their patience and cooperation.”