Travellers on Virgin Gorda now have full access to Long Bay Road following the official completion and reopening of the key bypass route connecting the community to North Sound. Photo: Facebook

Ninth District Representative Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) announced the road reopening on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following a thorough on-site inspection by the Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5). Photo: Facebook

The infrastructure project was undertaken to improve daily connectivity, ease congestion, and ensure a reliable transit option for both residents and visitors navigating the island. Photo: Facebook

The works were undertaken by Franklyn E. Penn of F Construction Company. Photo: VINO/File

Ninth District Representative Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) announced the road reopening on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following a thorough on-site inspection by the Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5). 

The infrastructure project was undertaken to restore daily connectivity, ease congestion, and ensure a reliable transit option for both residents and visitors. The road was heavily damaged by flooding in 2025.

In an interview with Virgin Islands News Online on Tuesday, August, 25, 2026, Hon Wheatley underscored the corridor’s value to local transportation.

"It has taken a long time to get the road repaired, and we finally opened the road," Hon Wheatley told Virgin Islands News Online. "The road is now open, so now you have two routes to get to North Sound."

Tourism & Local Transport Boost

The Ninth District Representative noted that the reopening offers a significant boost to the island’s tourism sector, particularly for commercial tour operators and taxi drivers who rely on scenic island loops.

"I know that the taxi drivers are going to love it because they love taking their guests through Nail Bay, so you could see the western part of the island, up to the Gorda Peak side, onto Hog Heaven, and then come to North Sound," Hon Wheatley explained. "This road is an important part of our tourism offerings. That alternative road is part of our tourist infrastructure, so I'm so pleased to see the road finally, finally open."

On his Facebook page, Hon Wheatley also praised the local workforce behind the physical repairs, commending contractor Mr Penn and his crew for their dedication throughout the construction phases.

"I extend sincere thanks to the contractor, Mr Penn, and his hardworking team for bringing the project to completion," he noted.

Community patience acknowledged

Honourable Wheatley expressed gratitude to the wider Virgin Gorda community for their endurance while heavy machinery and repair crews occupied the bypass over the extended reconstruction period.

"Thank you as well to the residents of Virgin Gorda for your patience and understanding throughout the works," Hon Wheatley added. "I am pleased to see this vital route reopened and ready to serve the community."

Long Bay Road functions as an essential secondary artery into North Sound, strengthening road safety and offering a reliable alternative alongside Virgin Gorda's primary transit corridors.

The contractor was Franklyn E. Penn of F. Construction Company.