Mr Fraites, while giving an update on the project, stated that the laying of 5,600 linear feet of AGP lines was recently completed, adding that, ‘’after the lines were put in place, we are now taking up the trench that was done, to fill it in with a better substrate, so that we can be able to allow for the traffic to flow in a much better manner.’’ Photo:Facebook

Chief of Infrastructural Planning, Research, and Development, Duane Fraites anticipates that work on the Ridge Road to be completed before Christmas. Photo:Facebook

The ongoing works on Tortola's Ridge Road involve critical infrastructure upgrades, including road widening, curve correction for safety, new sidewalks, drainage, and water network integration, as part of disaster resilience projects to create a better driving experience and resilient network, often requiring temporary closures or one-way traffic for trenching and concrete work. The works are being done in a phased approach. Photo:Facebook

He stated, ''It took some time to get done, but we want to make sure that at least the work will be completed before Christmas.’’

 Works involve critical infrastructure upgrades

The ongoing works on Tortola's Ridge Road involve critical infrastructure upgrades, including road widening, curve correction for safety, new sidewalks, drainage, and water network integration, as part of disaster resilience projects to create a better driving experience and resilient network, often requiring temporary closures or one-way traffic for trenching and concrete work. The works are being done in a phased approach.

Mr Fraites, while giving an update on the project, stated that the laying of 5,600 linear feet of AGP lines was recently completed, adding that, ‘’after the lines were put in place, we are now taking up the trench that was done, to fill it in with a better substrate, so that we can be able to allow for the traffic to flow in a much better manner.’’

 Challenge with the material 

He raised concerns over the material, stating that ‘’the film material that was placed was a little bit soft, so we were having a lot of challenges in terms of the motorists, dust, and also, the area was sinking a bit. So, we've engaged with the contractor so that we can be able to put in what we call a stabilised road-based material, which has a bit of aggregate and cement mix up in it, and once it's placed, it would be almost as solid as concrete.’’

The Chief of Infrastructural Planning, Research, and Development also said that work has started on the diamond estate side and is now heading towards Chalwell Junction.

Works 60% completed 

''Currently, the guys are approximately 60% complete with the work that they're doing, basically taking up the trench and filling it back in. We have two chambers to construct, one in the area by the skywall and one also in the area by the Shalwell Junction. So that's where the valve chamber would be for the water distribution line, which will enhance and improve the water distribution system.’’

He further stated that this area has suffered a lot of breakages along the water lines; hence, with the installation of this new line, it would allow for that situation to be mitigated, since it also impacts not just water lines but also roadways.