Antigua and Barbuda kicks off phase 2 of road rehabilitation program

The second phase of Antigua and Barbuda’s road rehabilitation program involves investments of US$51mn for two separate projects.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will provide US$28.5mn via a hurricane Irma disaster recovery loan for works on the Royal Gardens Road and Herbert’s Main Road. Works involve the construction of reinforced concrete drains and circular pipe culverts, pavement foundations, and asphalt surfacing.

Bidding is open until May 19. More details can be seen here and here.

In turn, the government, will invest US$22.5mn for works on the Sir Sydney Walling highway, including Pares Main Road, Old Parham Road, Anchorage Road and Valley Road. Design consultations are already underway.

“Different features to accommodate the special needs of marginalized groups will be taken into consideration. That is very important to have these discussions happen with the contractors to inform the design,” local outlet Antigua Observer quoted community liaison officer Ann Harewood George as saying.

The upgrades will include traffic easing measures, bus stops and signage. Budgetary restrictions mean significant changes to the route are unlikely.

“Some of the improvements probably cannot be done. Where it would be a better design to acquire some land and change the [route], because of budget limitations, sometimes we have to stick with the existing layout,” contractor Bernard Lewis told the daily.

Photo credit: Antigua and Barbuda ministry of works