Significant repair work will soon be coming to Highway 7.
This was the promise made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works, and Water Resources Santia Bradshaw, in response to concerns raised at Monday evening’s Christ Church Speaks at the Christ Church Foundation School, about the deteriorating state of the coastal roadway which was causing difficulties for some road users.
Although the initial plan was to begin work on Highway 7 immediately after the last section of Highway 1 was completed in August 2021, Bradshaw noted that adequate resources were not available at the time to begin the necessary project, given the delicate nature of important infrastructure located on Highway 7.
“Highway 7 is very complex as you know; it is the area where we have the South Coast Sewage Plant, [so] we also have to take a little bit more care and attention in designing any road that is going to be redone in that area. That is really predominantly what has caused the length of delay. We have to bring in the utilities, Senior Minister [with Responsibility for Coordinating Infrastructural Projects, William Dugiud], myself, and the entire team at MTW have been working to try to resolve issues as it relates to all of the coordinated works with the various utility companies,” she said.
“We have finally gotten that tendering process done, there is a consultant that has been selected, and that process in terms of negotiation is now about to take place. Our best case scenario right now is looking at March of 2025 for us to have the works completed. Now what we have said internally of what we are prepared to do, particularly because of that inconvenience caused to not just residents but tourists alike, we are going to do a quick mill and pave on the road before the end of November.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also disclosed that the costs involved with the temporary repair of portions of the roadway will be just around $300 000. Though the price may appear high, she said, the total cost of the subsequent project, if these interim modifications are not carried out, is projected to be significantly higher.
Bradshaw also said the issues surrounding utilities not fully reinstating roads after works are completed is also an area of concern for government officials. She stated that plans to rectify the situation, with the involvement of the ministry, were in the works.
(SB)
