Work began today to clear Government-owned land on the eastern side of Esterley Tibbetts Highway-south.

This portion of work on the road is part of a greater plan to enhance the highway through a project agreed upon between the Cayman Islands Government, the National Roads Authority and Dart Realty as part of the recently signed NRA Agreement. The work is being done between the Butterfield and Century 21 roundabouts and includes expanding the existing two-lane Esterley Tibbetts Highway to four lanes.

Once completed, the enhanced highway will offer more efficient traffic flow as well as a straighter and safer roadway. It will also be the gateway for a future Airport Connector Road.

As part of the NRA Agreement, Dart Realty is constructing the road on behalf of the Cayman Islands Government. Preliminary work to widen the southern portion of the highway will begin on Monday, 25 July, 2016.

Government is using US$5.02 million, part of the proceeds from the sale of the Dragon Bay Leasehold property to Dart Realty, to pay for the work. The sale of the Dragon Bay property was carried out in accordance with the Governors (Vesting of Lands) Law (205 Revision) and was advised previously in the press and at the Legislative Assembly.

The cost of the roadwork was reviewed and agreed by the NRA so as to ensure it was competitive and offered value for money. Not only is the cost competitive but allowing Dart to complete the roadworks makes sense given that they are already mobilised with the work they are undertaking in the area. It also allows the NRA to focus on other needed road works such as the Linford Pierson improvements.

Initial widening of the road is already under way along the northern portion of Esterley Tibbetts Highway along the eastern perimeter.

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