$6B Aubrey Barker Road opens; displaced vendors get new space, property value soars 

 

Residents turned out in their numbers as the newly upgraded Aubrey Barker Road was officially opened on Monday, marking a major transformation for communities across South Georgetown.

The $6 billion project, which spans approximately 4.4 kilometres, is being hailed as a key piece of infrastructure that is already reshaping movement, property values and economic activity in the area.

Once a narrow and deteriorated route, the road has been fully reconstructed into a modern four-lane corridor, complete with covered drains, sidewalks, and improved safety features, significantly enhancing access for both motorists and pedestrians.

The upgraded road now provides improved connectivity to several communities, including North and South Ruimveldt, Festival City, Lamaha Springs and surrounding areas, while creating more efficient links to the East Coast corridor.

The project, which began in November 2022, was executed in multiple phases to reduce disruption to residents and businesses along the alignment.

Beyond improving travel time, the road is now seen as a critical link in a wider transport network connecting South Georgetown to Ogle and onward to the East Coast, making it part of a broader expansion of the country’s road infrastructure.

Even before its official opening, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said the road has already begun to transform the economic landscape of the area.

Property values along the corridor have surged significantly, with lands that previously held modest value now attracting major interest from buyers and investors.

This rapid appreciation, Dr. Ali said, is being driven by improved accessibility, better infrastructure, and increased commercial potential along the route.

Businesses are also expected to expand as the improved road allows for easier movement of goods and services, while reducing congestion and travel costs.

During the construction phase, several vendors were displaced as works progressed along sections of the alignment.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has since confirmed that 23 vendors will be relocated to a designated area along the roadway, where they will be given space on a newly developed tarmac surface.

There are also plans to support these vendors through access to financing and structured facilities, ensuring they can continue their operations in a more organized environment.

The project included extensive works such as excavation, road widening, installation of aggregate base, asphalt paving, reinforced drainage systems, and marked pedestrian pathways.

Covered drains now double as sidewalks in several sections, improving both drainage and pedestrian safety—an issue that had long affected residents.

Cycle lanes have also been incorporated along parts of the corridor, further enhancing safety and accessibility.

Previously, sections of the corridor were underutilized, with limited development and in some cases informal settlements along the alignment.

Today, the road has been designated a public roadway, placing it under the management of the Ministry of Public Works and ensuring long-term maintenance and upkeep.

The transformation of Aubrey Barker Road is not seen as an isolated project, but part of a wider push to modernize transport infrastructure and expand development across Georgetown.

The improved corridor is expected to open up new lands for housing, business development, and investment both to the north and south of the city.

With increased connectivity, reduced travel times, and improved infrastructure, the road is already being viewed as a catalyst for continued growth in South Georgetown.