(CMR) Roadworks commenced on Monday (May 18) in George Town, following amendments to the shelter-in-place measures, which means that construction workers have been given the green light to return to work.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has already begun upgrading Shedden Road between the Jacques Scott signal and the Eastern Avenue intersection.
Motorists are being asked to keep watch for traffic diversions and to drive with caution to ensure the safety of the work crews.
This is just one of a few upgrade projects, with the NRA on Friday announcing that it plans to accelerate critical road infrastructure projects, as it seeks to take advantage of the reduction in the number of vehicles on the Island’s roads during this time.
According to the NRA, crew members and contractors who will be conducting the roadworks will be tested prior to working.
In addition, crew members on work sites will be provided with personal protective equipment and will have to adhere to safety protocols and social distancing guidelines.
Among the projects to be undertaken over the next few weeks include the upgrading of the Chrissie Tomlinson and Grand Harbour Roundabouts located in the Red Bay and Prospect areas.
A number of major roads across Grand Cayman will also undergo asphalt resurfacing. Those roads to benefit from resurfacing will include Shedden Road, North Sound Road, and West Bay Road, which would ordinarily be difficult to pave during heavy traffic.
Minister of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Joey Hew, has said that the planned expenditure for 2020/2021 infrastructure work includes over $25 million in road projects that will provide a much-needed stimulus to the local economy during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We are using this time as an opportunity for the National Roads Authority to proceed with critical road construction and pavement rehabilitation projects that would prove more difficult and costly to achieve during regular traffic conditions,” said Minister Hew.
“Crews will be engaged under circumstances where they are adhering to social distancing protocols and equipped with proper PPE so that we can ensure their safety while they carry out this vital improvement to the Island’s infrastructure,” added the Minister.
As of this afternoon the section of road by Funky Tang's off Shedden Road had been re-paved:
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