NRA UPDATES COMMUNITY ON ONGOING PROJECTS

The National Roads Authority (NRA) are continuing their Capital Works programme across the island to improve Grand Cayman’s roadway systems. The NRA have made significant progress on several major projects this year, including the Linford Pierson Highway expansion, East West Arterial construction, the Airport Connector Road (ACR) and the Crewe Rd and Hurley Merren Blvd widening.

The Linford Pierson Highway expansion is well underway with the new roundabout taking shape, along with the clearing and filling of the route connection to Outpost Street. Water

Authority are over 60% complete with installation of a new 12” water main along the road and new drain wells have been installed. Subbase works along part of the westbound carriageway

have been completed, and curbing along that section will commence shortly. Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) has been temporarily relocating poles and lines along this section, in preparation to install all underground infrastructure along this area starting in the first quarter of 2023. NRA costs for this will be approximately $7M and it is on track to be completed by Summer 2023.

As of November 2022, segment one of the East West Arterial is 65% complete. This extension runs from Hirst Road to the Woodland Drive area, with the construction of a new roundabout at Hirst Road, pending settlement of key land claims in the area.

NRA is working closely with its selected consultant and the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) to develop and finalize the draft Terms of Reference for the study which will assess several components deemed important by the EAB. The positive and negative impacts of the project on natural resources, cultural resources and socio-economic effects, including reduction in congestion and travel times, will all be identified and alternatives to mitigate these impacts will be assessed and evaluated. The public will be invited to review and discuss the draft Terms of References at community meetings to be held in early 2023. After finalizing the Terms of Reference, work on the EIA is anticipated to be completed in mid 2024 and construction of the road to the Bodden Town area will commence shortly after that.

The Airport Connector Road is a planned four-lane highway that provides a direct link between the Owen Roberts Airport and the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. This is one of many efforts by the NRA to reduce road congestion and decrease commute times. This road will also be an

important connection for traffic in the airport and industrial park area. Phase one extends from the Esterley Tibbetts Highway to Sparky Drive, accounting for approximately half of the two mile connector. Project expenses to date total just under $4M and overall cost is estimated at $10.2M.

The Shamrock Road and Hurley Merren Blvd widening project will see an upgrade from the CUC Roundabout (next to Kings Sports Centre) and Grand Harbour roundabout to include three lanes eastbound and three lanes westbound. This expansion will also feature bicycle lanes and road shoulders. With the segments between Grand Harbour Roundabout and Red Bay Roundabout now being almost complete, the NRA focus is now on widening both sides of the corridor between Grand Harbour Roundabout and the roundabout near Kings Sports Centre. Preliminary works have commenced on this segment, including installation of drainage wells – continued works are pending the securing of wayleaves (permission) from property owners for the relocation of CUC poles on their properties.

The NRA thanks the public for their continued cooperation and caution on the roads during this time. Keep safe on the roads this holiday season. Wishing a happy and prosperous New Year to all, from our family at NRA to yours.