Public Works Commissioner Updates Status of
Major Road Project in St. Croix and St. Thomas

Public Works Commissioner Darryl A. Smalls said Tuesday that the second phase of construction of the Christiansted Bypass road project on St. Croix is about to get underway following the recent completion of phase one. Smalls, in an update of the major roadway construction project on St. Croix, said a contractor has already been selected for the second phase with work scheduled to begin shortly. 

“The first phase was the major earth moving and creation of the roadway which begins at Bassin Triangle and ends near the D.C. Canegata Ball Park. With that work completed, the mobilization by the contractor will occur shortly and the work in this second phase is geared towards utility installation, installation of draining structures, gutters and sidewalks,” Smalls said, adding, that this phase should be completed in a year and then paving of the new by-pass road will follow. “Within a year, residents of St. Croix will see a major thoroughfare which extends from Queen Mary Highway to the Canegata Ball Park.” 

Smalls also said that suggestions that the project has become dormant are unfounded. “We have completed all necessary pre-construction work and the second phase of this long-awaited and much-talked about roadway project is about to get underway. “The bid process is completed, a contractor identified and mobilization is next,” he said. 

On St. Thomas, Smalls said work on the Long Bay road project is continuing on a steady pace. “Much of the work is focused on First Avenue in Sugar Estate where drainage improvements are being implemented. The project is slated for completion early next year and I am happy to report that the next phase of the project between Yacht Haven Grade and the Lucinda Millin Home for the Aged has begun.” Smalls said, when completed, the segment of roadway from Mandela Circle to the Beltjen road intersection will feature four lanes and much improved drainage. “We will no longer see the ponding of water from heavy rains due to the increased number of drain facilities that have been laid under the roadway over the past year.” He said traffic flow will also be improved. “At the present time, we are meeting with our planners to select landscaping which will be strategically placed alongside this heavily-traveled roadway. We look forward to the completion of the project.” 

These projects are a part of the overall strategy to provide improvements to the major roadways of the Virgin Islands. “Governor de Jongh made a commitment to bringing the Christiansted Bypass to completion after its having sat on the shelf since the 1970’s and the strategic work being done at Long Bay St. Thomas will lead to better traffic flow and an overall improved road experience for the many motorists who traverse Long Bay, Mandela Circle and Centerline road each day,” Smalls said.

Related Audio:

Commissioner Smalls speaks about the Christiansted Bypass Project
Commissioner Smalls speaks about the Long Bay Road Project