‘Red Road’ project in Sophia moves ahead

Road and drainage works at ‘E’ Field, Sophia— at the area known as Red Road—  are being expanded to provide easier access to the new Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme and other nearby areas.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill recently visited the construction site where the residents there will soon benefit from better traffic flow and connectivity as the main access road from Dennis Street to the ‘Blacka Bridge’ is being upgraded.

Though the project is progressing well, Edghill said 62 people currently occupy the eastern road shoulder.

“This road is going to end up being ten metres with a clay shoulder on the Eastern side, all these encumbrances have to be cleared in order for us to get access and fix the shoulder,” the minister said.

He said a tarmac will be built to facilitate the residents. A committee was formed by the residents to identify the persons who have to move.

“I don’t want to use the project to mean that everybody who is on the shoulder automatically should be getting housing. We have to keep the community properly informed and properly engaged,” the minister said.

Resident and councillor, Deon Younge said that while construction has caused some inconvenience, the long-term benefits are worth it.

“It is a little inconvenience, but no pain, no gain. At the end of this they know what the community will achieve, they know what that their property values will increase, and this is going to be one of the major thoroughfare. I want to thank the government,” Younge said.

Another resident, Andre Jackman, said the project will help remove the negative stigma attached to the area.

“This initiative helps to open up this part of Sophia. We’ll have more traffic within this community, persons can now grow their small businesses, families can be more engaged and employed,” Jackman said.

He also thanked the government for delivering on its promises to the Sophia community.

The project started in September 2025 and is now 38 per cent completed. It is expected to be finished by July this year. Work includes widening the road and building concrete drains with a pedestrian walkway.

The project is being carried out by local contractor Delta Trucking & Logistics.