Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 29, 2018 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis plans to shift the Bay Road in Old Road to ensure that traffic is safer for citizens and residents.
George Gilbert of the Public Works Department disclosed that a forthcoming project will see a new road being created to the west of the current road on land reclaimed from the sea. The new road will be elevated 15 feet higher than the current road to prevent any damage caused by sea swells. Additionally, a rock armour will be created by adding large boulders that will break large waves. The boulders are similar in size to the ones that currently protect the pier at Port Zante – the federation’s main docking site for cruise ships.
“This [Old Road Bay] is a very important piece of infrastructure in the road network here in St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure, Honourable Ian Patches Liburd, while addressing an audience at the Edgar T. Morris Primary School in Tabernacle during the Prime Minister’s Forum on Sunday, August 28, 2018.
Minister Liburd said that on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 companies will be invited to bid to execute the project.
Old Road Bay has traditionally been a source of concern for authorities due to sea swells, land erosion and rock slides during adverse weather. In September 2017, Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage to the road, rendering it impassable for two days. The government spent millions of dollars to repair the road. Additionally, $23 million was allocated in the 2018 Budget to finance an upgrade project.
