Barra’s new traffic arrangements create chaos

Citizens unhappy with new traffic arrangements in the Barra area took to social media to criticize “unreasonable” solutions proposed by the Transport Bureau (DSAT).

They were criticizing DSAT’s traffic arrangements for the Barra area that came into force last Saturday.

Although most of the changes, related to the second phase of the construction of the Inner Harbour rainwater pumping station, only started effectively yesterday, preparation had started earlier.

There are also concurrent works being conducted in the same area, which complicates the life of those who need to circulate through those streets even more.

One matter that raised eyebrows and online criticism was related to the arrangements at the Rua da Barra and Rua do Padre António, which included turning the already very narrow one-way street into a temporary two-way street in some sections.

The Rua da Barra has been the scene of several accidents with trucks and tourist buses in the extremely narrow area at the back of the Mandarin House. The incidents are particularly worrying as the wall is a protected heritage site.

Besides the chaotic traffic and traffic jams, netizens’ concerns also turned to the possibility of accidents in the area due to lack of circulation space and inversion of the normal traffic direction in several streets.

The arrangements also forced the public bus to detour from the area making it difficult for those living or working there to find transport for daily commutes.

Adding to the problems is the fact that these arrangements are expected to last, in some sections, for as long as four months with residents and shop owners anticipating a very bad year for living and business conditions alike.

According to a report by the public broadcaster TDM Chinese Channel, several drivers also noted not being informed with enough time, as DSAT only revealed the traffic arrangements in a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Others claimed that, although they were aware of the arrangements, they found that onsite instructions to the drivers were in many cases, ambiguous, which made many of them hesitate and take a long time to understand the right path, a fact that contributed significantly to traffic congestion.

Other residents told the same broadcaster they are planning to leave home today at least 30 minutes or more ahead of their normal time to avoid arriving late for their duties.

The changes regarding the new bus pick and drop-off points also promise to create problems for many, at least for the next couple of days with some residents telling TDM that there is poor information on the relocation of the bus stops.

The DSAT responded that the project is urgent and called on drivers and pedestrians to be understanding and patient with the arrangements made.