RADHICA DE SILVA
Scrap iron workers have blocked the northbound carriageway of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, this morning, triggering a massive traffic gridlock.
Guardian Media understands the protests began as early as 5 am today, Monday 29 August 2022.
Hundreds of motorists on their way work and to the Piarco International Airport are now caught in the gridlock.
Piles of mud and tyres block the northbound lane of the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway, dumped by protesting scrap iron workers, on Monday 29 August 2022. The blockage caused gridlock traffic, inconveniencing hundreds of motorists on their way to work, and travellers heading to the airport. (Image by KRISTIAN DE SILVA)
The protesters have dumped a huge mound of mud on the highway, lighting tyres and causing a crawl of single-lane traffic.
Among those trapped in the gridlock are Vivian Ford and nine members of his family who are expected to board a flight to New York at 8 am today. The family is distraught at the inconvenience.
Burnt tyre marks on the road, the remains of tyres burnt by protesting scrap iron workers, on Monday 29 August 2022. The blockage caused gridlock traffic, inconveniencing hundreds of motorists on their way to work, and travellers heading to the airport. (Image by KRISTIAN DE SILVA)
Soldiers and police are on the scene and are attempting to clear the blockade.
Guardian Media teams are on the scene and will update this story as information comes to hand.