City Braces for Three Years of Traffic Strain

City officials are warning that congestion may intensify as three major infrastructure projects begin.

At a Tuesday consultation in the Belize City Civic Center, planners outlined sweeping upgrades to the George Price Highway, the Swing Bridge and the BelCan Bridge. The works promise improved drainage, safer pedestrian access and rehabilitated roadways. However, that will also come with some level of delays.

Mayor Bernard Wagner acknowledged public anxiety over gridlock and structural concerns.

“You will see that X amount of vehicles coming into the city with one or two people in it. That shows that you’ll have congestion in the city,” he said.

He added, “Our public transportation system has to become more efficient. If you become efficient, people will leave their vehicles at home because it’s cheaper; you don’t burn gas.”

City Hall called it a “tremendous opportunity for the city to get a facelift.”

We’ll have more on this tonight at 6 p.m. on News 5.