Roadworks underway!
The Ministry of Communication and Works has announced that construction of the roads from Paraquita Bay to Hodge’s Creek will be carried out by Northam Construction over the next six months.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the ministry confirmed that Northam has been awarded a contract worth $2,386,000.96 to construct 3,813 linear feet of concrete roadway in the area.
The project will involve digging up and removing the existing asphalt layer, creating manholes and proper drainage systems, building wall structures, conducting earthworks and compaction, and installing the road base. Additionally, a new reinforced concrete roadway and entrance pavement will be constructed, with coordination from telecommunications providers to ensure service is not disrupted.
“Work is set to commence on Thursday, September 26, and we anticipate that these works will take approximately six months. We appreciate the patience and caution of motorists and residents as we continue ‘Building a Better Road Network One Project At A Time,'” stated Works Minister Kye Rymer.
Earlier in September, the Director of the Public Works Department (PWD), Jeremy Hodge, mentioned that a budget of $1.8 million was allocated for resurfacing 4.5 miles of road. Comprehensive repair and paving efforts began on the weekend of September 6, starting in Sea Cows Bay and focusing on critical areas prone to potholes and severe wear.
Notable locations included in the repair list are Gene Hill, Fish Bay, Brandywine Bay, and the stretch in front of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, as well as roads leading to Hodges Creek Marina and Fat Hogs Bay.
Hodge promised residents “decent drivable roads, comfortable to drive from West and straight through to the airport.” He informed the public that a contract was signed with Tortola Paving for labor and equipment, while PWD would supply asphalt to expedite the paving agenda.
Hodge added that PWD would also be engaged in paving and patching while Tortola Paving is working to ensure timely progress.
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That’s what was promised in Sea Cows Bay 5-6 months ago and now the road surface is worse along with a large derelict heavy equipment abandoned on the side of the road.
So, $ 2,386k dollars to do 3,813 feet. There are 5,200 feet to a mile, so that works out to be 0.73 miles, making the unit cost $ 3.25 million per mile. Doing same to 38 miles of road would need about $ 125 million.
This makes, Mr. Hodge’s allocation of $1.4 million for rehab 4.5 miles of roads (about $300k per mile) appear well short of what is needed, even for patch work.
It’s also taking 6 months to do the work, so about 8 months per mile. To get the 38 miles done in the Territory would then take 25 years. You could get more contractors, but get it done is going to take years
This illustrates the need to engineer the roads right (so once done we only need to maintain rather than repair)
I wish I could like this a million times!
Bye Jeremy you was a waste of time the White hair man next
whats mentioned above with what they suppose to be doing.. i dont believe that thats what im seeing… just paving and its not done properly… where the drainage? them ain even smoothing off the driveways/turn offs.. one good rain and thats in a mess again..
Then comes the rain and wash the tar out( singing )
Starting in the heart of the tourist season
The Premier only paving his district?
tortola paving doing both paving and labor who can explain this?
@Toliian, what are talking about? Explain.
A major contributing factor in premature road failure is poor drainage. Poor cross slope results in runoff ponding on roads resulting in water infiltrating into the surface layer, base, etc weakening the road segment, hastening deterioration. In looking at the pic, I see another drainage issue which can contribute to road deterioration. The issue is the state of road side ditches, ie, vegetation growth at the edge of pavement and in road side ditches.
Road side ditches collect runoff from the road pavement and convey it to discharge inlet pipes, ponds, etc. Poor maintenance of road side ditches can block flow from road pavement and can contribute to road failure. Road side ditches should be inspected, cleaned, regrade as needed periodically, etc, to ensure proper flow. Additionally, run-on can result in road flooding and ponding..,Run-on results when the elevation of surrounding area is higher than the crown on the road. Proper construction and maintenance of road sides can prevent minimize run/on.
Don’t forget all the stones and pebbles that roll into the roadway from the slopes and the trucks carrying materials. There’s a need to maintain the roads by clearing the stones, dirt and the gutters as well
@Nuppy, collecting and disposing of debris, etc, should be part of road maintenance process. After a heavy rain events, roads, ditches, etc, should be inspected, blockages cleared, debris collected and disposed. This is low hanging fruit,
E. Leonard, you complicating and confusing us with this road thing. You expecting us to behave and act like developed countries. Lol. We struggling with even getting a handle on potholes. We not ready for this higher level, are we? All we need is a break from the potholes. Our vehicles crying for a break. . How the song go, bra-ga dam, dam . Bra-ga, dam, dam……. Again bra-ga, dam, dam.. Seriously, though, we appreciate the comments. But is anyone paying attention.
This is how you guys fix roads in the VI OMG this island really is in for a big problem!!