Coral Tree Ave is now one-way

The Coral Tree Avenue in Garapan is now a one-way street, going north from Orchid St. exiting to Micro Beach Road.

The Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Maeda Pacific Corp., implemented the one-way traffic flow effective 8pm last night.

By 3pm yesterday, DPW already closed the roadway to two-way traffic from Orchid Street to Micro Beach Road, so that the contractor, together with some DPW officials and workers, could do some finishing touches on the avenue by putting up street signs such as “stop signs,” “no entry signs,” and “no right turn signs” along the exits of the Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach and Hyatt Regency Saipan.

A “no right turn” sign was installed on Micro Beach Road intersecting Coral Tree Avenue. “No left turn” signs were also installed on streets intersecting Coral Tree Avenue.

Other changes along the roadway include the following:

* Parallel parking will be on marked areas only and will be allowed along the west curbside of the street. Parked vehicles in the marked parallel spaces must be headed in the direction of the traffic;

* Loading and unloading will only be allowed for five minutes along the east curbside in designated turnout areas;

* Vehicles leaving Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach and Hyatt Regency Saipan are only allowed to turn left, as there will be “no left turn signs” on all intersecting streets along Coral Tree Avenue on the other side of the hotels; and

* The speed limit will be 15mph. The new rule will not allow stopping, standing or parking in the free travel lane. “One-way” arrow signs and pavement markings will be installed.

The changes now also include a three-way stop intersection at Micro Beach Road to Beach Road but all other roads in the Garapan Special District will remain two-way streets, with the centerline painted yellow but with new street name signs.

All motorists are advised by the department to take note of the changes and observe traffic signs to avoid penalty.

The changes in these vehicle routes will also see the Coral Tree Avenue becoming the first one installed with parking meters, if a plan by the Department of Public Works pushes through. DPW officer earlier said the office is looking at the possibility of installing parking meters along Coral Tree Avenue six months from now.