MP Stephenson Eyes Lowmans Bay – Ottley Hall Bypass to Ease Leeward Gridlock

By Val Matthias. Updated 3:04 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, Nigel Stephenson, has announced plans to tackle worsening traffic congestion on the Leeward side of the island by exploring a new bypass route linking Lowmans Bay to Ottley Hall. 

Speaking as parliamentary representative for South Leeward, Stephenson acknowledged the daily build-up of vehicles heading into Kingstown and stressed that the proposed bypass could provide much-needed relief. The alternative route would connect South Leeward directly to West Kingstown, diverting traffic away from the capital’s already strained entry points. 

“This is about easing the pressure on Kingstown’s road network and giving commuters a faster, safer option,” Stephenson said, noting that the bypass would complement ongoing upgrades on the Winward side of the island mainly in the  Arnos Vale area. 

The 2026 national budget of EC$1.8 billion places strong emphasis on infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning has secured hundreds of millions in capital expenditure for roads, bridges, and traffic management projects, making road development one of the government’s largest investment priorities. 

Stephenson emphasized that while the bypass is still under study, the government’s commitment to tackling congestion is clear.

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