There is no denying: our island has a traffic problem. Part of the slow-moving traffic is caused by the sheer number of cars, more by the mediocre quality of roads, and finally an amazing variety of driving skills.
A permanent guarantee for traffic jams is the conflict of yachts versus cars. Simpson Bay Lagoon is home to many first-class marinas, which berth some of the most impressive mega-yachts.
There are three movable bridges for boats to enter or leave the lagoon. Traffic on the main thoroughfare of Airport Road has to be stopped several times per day. Especially when the large yachts squeeze through the bridge channel, clearing only one meter to starboard and port, it can take time. In the winter season, bridge closings of 15 minutes are possible. There is also a turning bridge as part of the busy Causeway. Here, it is not the boat traffic but the extremely slow-moving bridge that is backing up cars.
The opening schedule for Simpson Bay Lagoon through the Sint Maarten Dutch side bridges is as follows:
Airport Road Bridge:
08:30 AM Outbound boats
09:30 AM Incoming boats
10:30 AM out
11:30 AM in
3:00 PM in
4:00 PM out
5:00 PM in
Causeway Bridge:
08:00 AM
10:00 AM
3:30 PM
There is also a drawbridge on the French side in Sandy Ground. This bridge is not as wide as the Dutch side counterpart and is used by smaller vessels.
What about other traffic obstacles? Be glad that your kids don't go to school in Dutch St. Maarten. Almost all schools are located in an area called St. Peter's, which is a Cul de Sac. Now, thousands of kids commute each morning and each afternoon on a small two-lane road to this suburb, creating traffic havoc. Thankfully, the area lacks 'vacation appeal', and you, as a visitor, don't have to endure the jams.
Rush hour is a reality, especially late afternoon - better that you allow for a lot of extra time, even for a short-range commute. Why not wait it out at a Happy Hour bar?
Road conditions are another complex topic. For some years, the French side had much better roads compared to the Dutch side. But the French are slipping; by now, the potholes can compete well with the worst roads on the island's Dutch part. That said, roads here are better than on most Caribbean islands. Topographically similar islands such as St. Thomas or Tortola don't have the road network we have. Even in St. Barths are only tiny, narrow roads. The region's best roads? Go to Saba to be impressed. Well maintained, clean, bump-free, but steep.
As a rental car company, we would appreciate, if you pass potholes and speedbumps with respect for the car's wellbeing. We can maintain our low rates only if customers treat the vehicles with care.
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