REMARKS BY MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS
HONOURABLE MARK VANTERPOOL
AT THE NINTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE
THIRD HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016
10:00 A.M.

Update On Road Infrastructure Development Programme

Madam Speaker, the objective set out by the Ministry of Communications and Works spearheaded by the Public Works Department, is to upgrade and improve the existing road network to allow for better use by Motorists and pedestrians. This ensures improved safety to international standards for all users and newly upgraded roads should have a lifespan for of 15 to 20 years.

Madam Speaker, road improvement projects completed 100% to date include:

• Rudy’s Bar to Soldier Hill Junction – a length of 3,989 Feet;
• Beef Island Bridge to Parham Town - a length of 3,113 Feet; and
• Millionaire Road in The valley, Virgin Gorda - a length of 1,400 Feet.

Madam Speaker, projects expected to be 100% complete by December 2016 include:

• Anegada from the Beach Cottages to Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Grill - a length of 12,000 Feet;
• Cooten Bay Road Paving - a length of 1500 Feet;
• Sea Cows Bay from Island Department Store towards Domino Gas Station - a length of 3,456 Feet;

Madam Speaker, projects expected to be 100% complete by December 2017 include:

• Rudy’s Bar through Chalwell up to Mt. Sage intersection - a length of 5,543 Feet;
• Carrot Bay to Big Ben Gas Station West End – a length of 11,224 Feet;
• Brandywine Bay to Baughers Bay – a length of 9,725 Feet;
• Spring Ghut to Belle Vue – a length of 3,408 Feet;
• Lee Road will be paved following the completion of the Lee Road CDB Project a length of 400 feet; and
• Bottom Road in Jost Van Dyke is currently being surveyed and will also be paved.

Madam Speaker, with the areas above identified, when completed we will have achieved major improvement of the territory’s infrastructure; 32,233 Feet or 6.1 miles on Tortola, 1,800 feet or 0.34 miles on Virgin Gorda, 12,000 feet or 2.27 miles on Anegada in addition to the Bottom Road in Jost Van Dyke.

Damage to existing roads from storm surges and hurricanes will be reduced as adequate drainage systems (i.e. culverts, box drains, check damns, slipper and kerb walls), will also be in place to remove water off the roads and dispose effectively.

Emergency vehicles and first responders will have less debris to traverse to get to their desired destinations to give assistance when and where required.

Residents and visitors will have improved road surfaces that will allow them to reduce the risk of accidents in Anegada as we move closer to our goal of having all main roads on that sister islands paved.

Thank you Madam Speaker.