Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

The first section of phase two of the proposed Gommier to Aupac Road in Vielle Case is expected to commence this month (January 2009). The contract was signed at the end of last month (December 2008) with the Public Works Corporation. According to Kendel Johnson, Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructural Development, the main purpose of the road is improve on the geometry of the road making it easier for motorists who use the road.

“The main aim is basically to improve the road’s geometry, both the vertical and horizontal alignment and to improve safety. In particular regard, the horizontal alignment is what we refer to as the number of curves and turning in the road. You will realise the very sharp ‘s-bends’ as we call them making it difficult for increasing traffic and larger traffic to negotiate the area.

Kevin Johnson, Chief Technical Officer in the
Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructural Development

The scope of the work basically involves the construction of about seven hundred and fifty metres (750m) or roughly half a mile, excavation for the added width to provide five and a half metres (5½ m) or sixteen feet (16ft) of dual carriage way, to improve drainage to comprise sleeper and rectangular drains/culverts, a new road pavement structure with rigid or concrete pavement in the more difficult corners and the application of double bituminous surface treatment or what we refer to as double surface dressing.”

Section of the Gommier to Aupac Road

Meanwhile, Minister for Public Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, said that this is part of the Roosevelt Skerrit administration’s efforts to improve the island’s road network. He went on to say that no economy can emerge without a boost in commerce and for commerce to be realised, proper road networks must be put in place. It is the reason why the Government thinks it is necessary to have deliberate policies put in place to deal with road improvement.

Residents of the area are delighted that the project will be on stream shortly as the road in its current condition is narrow and has posed quite a bit of problems for motorists. They said that at times, you had to reverse for a significant distance to allow another transport to pass. This section of the project will cost approximately one point seven (1.7) million E.C dollars.