Infrastructure Ministry Provides Update on Road Projects

The Ministry of Infrastructure has provided an update on the status of the ongoing road projects across Grand Cayman following a recent tour (July 19) by Deputy Premier Hon. Chris Saunders, Infrastructure Minister Hon. Jay Ebanks, National Roads Authority (NRA) Board Chairman Alric Lindsay and other NRA representatives.

The roadworks included phase two of the Linford Pierson Highway which is progressing well and on schedule. The sub-base for the outbound lanes has been put in place with construction to continue on the Bobby Thompson Way section and the Tortuga roundabout. The next stage will be to realign underground water, electricity and telecom services ahead of the final surface layers of the roadway followed by work on the outbound lanes.

Work at Crewe Road and Kings Roundabout is moving forward with the widening to three outbound lanes along with installation of utility work. Work will also commence on the inbound lane abreast Scotiabank and the Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing.

Following the visit, Deputy Premier Hon. Christopher Saunders said the tour provided an opportunity to assess the road works being done to resolve the traffic congestion between the eastern side of the Island and George Town during peak hours. "I think the projects are progressing very well. Already, I have been receiving feedback from members of the public about the reduced time of their commute from the Eastern Districts into George Town", he stated.

Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Jay Ebanks noted that some of the road works are designed to alleviate the issues with traffic congestion in the mornings and evenings, in the pinch points around the Hurley’s roundabout and the Prospect areas.

He further commented, “We are working our hardest to minimise the amount of time commuters have to spend in traffic and already we are seeing some positive results. We are also working as fast as possible to take advantage of the summer ease in traffic as schools as out".

The team also visited the Airport Connector Road which will connect the Industrial Park area to the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and provide an alternate route to North Sound Road. Work has commenced with the installation of culverts which will facilitate drainage across the area. Once installed, the roadworks will be completed.

Work on phase one of the Godfrey Nixon extension has recommenced with curb work being installed. The next phase will be final grading in order for the road to be surfaced. Phase one of the project will take the road from North Church Street across Diaz Lane to Gresscott Lane.