Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said Thursday (7) at the Government Press Briefing that the deal signed between the former United Democratic Party (UDP) Government, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Dart Group in December 2011 to close 615 feet of the West Bay Road will go ahead.

This is despite any findings from the local consultants, Price, Waterhouse & Coopers who were brought in to report if the Cayman Islands were in fact getting value for money. The premier confirmed they are still waiting on the report and want to review it before they give the final OK that will mean gazetting the road closure. This expected to happen over the next 3-4 weeks.

More news will be given at next Thursday’s Press Briefing, O’Connor-Connelly said and they would be meeting again with Dart.

North Side MLA Ezzard Miller revealed last year that the plans showed numerous roundabouts and exit ramps along the new road extension to the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. This has proved to be correct.

A section of the new road has been raised to form a bridge allowing canals.

Chief Operating Officer of Dart Realty, Jackie Doak, said earlier in the week everything was in place for the road closure. She confirmed that Government had to gazette the road closure as per the road agreement. She also said Government was expected to sign the third amendment of the agreement that deals with the exact location of the second public beach fairly soon.

As soon as Government receives the Price, Waterhouse & Coopers’ Report, the premier said it would be made available to the public.

It remains to be seen what the group opposing the West Bay Road closure will do next as they had promised to step up their protests before this announcement.