WILLEMSTAD - In 2020, Melvin ‘Mac’ Cijntje proposed a plan to build a new road between Cornelisbaai and Caracasbaai, including a bridge over the Jan Thiel Lagoon. Now, the Minister of Traffic, Transport, and Spatial Planning (VVRP), Charles Cooper (MFK), has expressed support for a revised version of the plan, which he deems feasible.
The proposed road under Cooper's plan would begin at Plantage Steenwijk, pass through Seru Spaño and the salt pans, and potentially end with a bridge near Morena Resort.
Cijntje's original proposal aimed to reduce traffic on the Caracasbaaiweg. However, the plan was rejected at the time due to high costs and potential environmental damage. Despite this, Cijntje highlighted the benefits of the project, including improved access to tourist areas and an economic boost for surrounding neighborhoods.
Cooper revealed that his revised plan is already included in the Spatial Development Plan (EOP) and is expected to be completed by 2025. The new design is cheaper and follows a different route than Cijntje's initial proposal.
Cijntje expressed his satisfaction that an alternative is finally being implemented, even with the modifications to his original plan. "This is an important step to improve traffic flow," Cijntje stated.