$14.4 billion road expansion project to improve access, ease traffic across East Coast

To enhance connectivity and better accommodate traffic, the sum of $14.4 billion will be invested to upgrade main access roads across several East Coast Demerara villages.

The project will see the expansion of narrow roads into four-lane carriageways capable of handling the growing traffic demand.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, during visits to the communities on Tuesday, said the expansion is in response to the rapid population and infrastructural development along the East Coast corridor. Some projects have gotten underway already.

“Because the East Coast corridor has become so populated because of development, traffic control is now a big necessity.

“These roads are genuinely too narrow and too small. So, what we are doing now is that the main access roads in all the villages where it needs to be addressed in this first round, we are doing that now,” Edghill said.

The initiative will benefit several communities including La Bonne Intention (LBI), Mon Repos, Annandale, Lusignan, Coldingen, and Nabacalis, with upgraded access roads leading directly into villages.

Construction works will focus on excavating and rebuilding entire roadways to accommodate two-lane traffic flows, installing concrete drains on both sides, and providing shoulders that will serve as pedestrian walkways.

“The intent is to create better access and accommodate traffic in an enhanced manner,” Edghill said.

Temporary access routes will be provided to minimise disruption during construction.

Importantly, the government has assured residents that economic activity will not be affected by the roadworks.

The project deadlines range from 6 to 12 months.

“We are doing what is necessary now with a long-term view. We’ve got to get a lot of work done to upgrade it so you, the residents who will be the beneficiaries, will be satisfied,” Edghill said.