Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The Archibald-De Leon Highway, named in tribute to revered ex-national footballers Warren Archibald and Leroy De Leon, has finally reached completion and since its opening, has already revitalised business activity in the southwestern peninsula, whilst reducing travel times.
Before the highway opening last weekend, it took almost an hour to get to Point Fortin from San Fernando but now, that same destination is achieved in 30 minutes.
Recognised as the most extensive highway endeavour in the nation’s history, entrepreneurs along the route, as well as taxi drivers, say they are already reaping the benefits of the 47-kilometre highway which connects Point Fortin to San Fernando.
Businessman Jeremy Edwards has opened the Highway Vege and Minimart at Grant Trace Extension and has ambitious plans to expand his establishment to include a grocery store and bar, despite some sections of the highway remaining unfinished.
“Before the highway opened, business was a little slow, but since it opened, business has started to pick up now,” Edwards told Guardian Media.
Mechanic Chrislon Roberts also said he was benefitting, as business is now booming.
“The highway will be fully beneficial throughout the country; other businesses can expand now because it is no longer a hassle,” Roberts said.
He revealed that since the highway opened he had secured seven new jobs.
But others like maxi taxi driver Inshan Ali said the highway was also negatively impacting businesses on the Southern Main Road.
He said plying for hire on the Old Southern Main Road previously proved more profitable for their livelihood but that had changed with the highway opening.
“The Main Road is clear now; it hardly has vehicle traffic and most of the vehicles pass through the highway. That’s one good thing. I prefer the old road,” Ali said.
He also expressed concerns about flooding, saying, “Because of how the highway built, it has plenty of places flooding now. They plug up plenty of water courses, I believe.”
Meanwhile, Point Fortin Taxi Drivers Association president John David said the highway is saving them time and money. He said travel time is reduced by 30 to 40 minutes and decreasing vehicle wear and tear.
“Before, we were under pressure with the Old (Southern Main) Road, no matter how they patch, the road was bad. With the highway, we’re saving a lot of time and it is easier on our vehicles,” he said.
However, despite the benefits, David clarified that there would be no fare reductions for taxi services. He expressed gratitude for the long-awaited infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, resident Zhane Patrick highlighted the broader implications of the highway, saying, “Now that we have the highway, it’s a quicker route, it’s easier for people.”
She said the hidden natural beauty of the peninsula was also now available to the public.
“Before the highway was built, the only access road was bad. Now that the new highway is open, a lot of people will want to gravitate down here.”
She also emphasised the attractions of Point Fortin, such as its food, beaches, and new beachfront restaurants.
The idea of the highway was first conceived in the 1960s, several years after Independence.
In 1967, an instrumental study called the National Transportation Plan was undertaken by the Inter-American Development Bank. The highway’s pre-feasibility studies began in 1998 and concluded in 2004. These investigations highlighted the necessity of connecting residential communities to stimulate economic growth, a vision which is now being realised more than half a century later.
