Driving in and out of Scarborough became easier for commuters on Friday morning with the opening of the new Northside Connector Road. The new road links Gardenside Street and the Northside Road.

The 250 meter road cost TT $3,494,783.00 million to construct. Local companies Kai Engineering and Construction Limited and Parks International Limited helmed the project that started on June 18, 2012 and was completed on December 21, 2012.

The new connector road will divert traffic away from the centre of Scarborough and reduce congestion on Carrington Street. Motorists will also have better access to uptown Scarborough.

During the opening, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London said the road opening demonstrated the commitment of the current Administration to bring additional comfort to the people of Tobago. “The increase of transportation indicates an increase in the quality of life as Tobago develops,” he said.

The connector road will also create easy access to the Gardenside Parking lot.

Chief Administrator of the THA Dr. Ellis Burris said Scarborough’s development was now at an embryonic stage. “What is happening here is part of a process that started with the clean-up of illegal vendors,” he said.

The road opening was part of the Scarborough Beautification Project that is being undertaken by the THA. Other initiatives in the beautification project includes improvement in the fish port and the construction of a boardwalk for pedestrians along Carrington Street, as well as the restoration of several landmarks, including the Immigration Building, Old Works Building and the Scarborough Methodist Church.