Roadtown, Tortola - Government is in the process of carrying out works that will improve the Road Town road infrastructure to complement the installation of the traffic lights and
The works are being done as part of six petty contracts that were signed in early May. The contracts, which totalled $260,925.93, were awarded to Neighbourhood Construction, and contractors Austin Todman, Ogan Baronville, Shane Winter, Hugh Blyden and Franklyn Dailey. The terms of reference included civil works and the demolition, construction and realignment of sidewalks, which incorporated the placement of a series of manholes, drainage pipes, and the installation of curb and slipper drains in the Road Town area.
Ms. Josette Hendrickson Engineer III with the Public Works Department told the Department of Information and Public Relations that “these works are being done in conjunction with the installation of the traffic lights because they will be incorporated to work with the lights after they are installed.”
Neighbourhood Construction began their work in late May at the Waterfront Drive and Admin Drive intersection and has since completed approximately 95% of their contract, while the other contractors were unable to begin work as they were awaiting the arrival of 12 inch PVC pipes. “To date, the pipes for Mr. Dailey and Mr. Winter have been installed and the manholes were constructed,” Ms. Hendrickson said.
The project, which started for most contractors on 8 June encountered some difficulty because in addition to having to wait for the PVC pipes, the contractors met challenges during excavation as they encountered the presence of utility lines and poles. However, Ms. Hendrickson reported no significant setbacks.
According to the contracts, road works are expected to be completed by mid July. “Once the traffic lights and road works are completed, it will help to alleviate any traffic problems while providing additional sidewalks that would allow the pedestrian traffic to flow safely through the Road Town area,” Ms. Hendrickson concluded.
The motoring public and pedestrians are asked for their continued patience throughout the duration of these projects and are encouraged to proceed with caution while traversing these areas.
Phase One of the Waterfront Drive Modernisation Project, once completed, is expected to better facilitate traffic flow and minimise congestion, while providing a safer pedestrian-friendly capital and reaffirming Government’s commitment to implementing improved traffic management systems for Road Town.
British Virgin Islands News