The O’Meara Road in Arima is now the Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard.
Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj hailed the milestone as a marker of efforts by the Ministry of Works and Transport to enhance infrastructure that connects the communities, facilities, commercial activities, and promotes the overall development of the Borough of Arima.
“This upgrade to Lisa Morris-Julian Boulevard represents more than just an improvement of physical infrastructure. It symbolises our commitment to progress, safety, and efficiency. With this upgrade, we can expect enhanced traffic flow, shorter commute times, and improved safety for commuters and pedestrians alike. It also creates new opportunities for businesses and residents in helping to unlock the potential of the surrounding areas and contribute to the long-term economic growth of the O’Meara Industrial Estate and East Trinidad.”
He also noted that the upgrade is just one part of the larger ongoing effort to improve the infrastructure of the roadways in the nation.
Director of PURE, Hayden Phillip, acknowledged that traffic congestion at the O’Meara intersection with the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and along the O’Meara Road has been a persistent challenge to the effective use of this route. He said the upgraded project was therefore initiated to enhance traffic flow along the O’Meara Road, reduce congestion at the intersection, and improve drainage systems.
“Significant enhancements included a newly-constructed roundabout for smoother traffic flow, a jog handle at the highway intersection to ease congestion, two additional lanes to boost road capacity and accessibility, upgraded drainage, and concrete works for long-term durability, and full rehabilitation of York Avenue for a seamless commute.”
Lisa Morris-Julian and two of her children perished in a fire at their home in Arima in December 2024.