• NRA accelerating critical road infrastructure projects amidst reduction in vehicular traffic

• Crew members and contractors to be tested and fully equipped with PPE before being phased into work

GRAND CAYMAN – The National Roads Authority (NRA) has announced that it will be accelerating critical road infrastructure projects while taking advantage of the reduction in the number of vehicles on the Island’s roads during this time.

The NRA has underscored that crew members and contractors who will be conducting the roadworks will be tested before being phased into work. 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, Hon Joey Hew has said that 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.

Minister Hew further stated, “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. 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”.

The NRA is also gearing up for construction on a new road that will provide a connection between Sparky Drive and the roundabout adjacent to George Town Landfill on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway.

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Photo 1: The Chrissie Tomlinson Roundabout in Prospect will feature a change in camber and new hot mix asphalt surface.

Photo 2: New lane markings and delineation will allow for 3 lanes at Grand Harbour Roundabout.

Photo 3: Deteriorated sections of Shedden Road are being milled out and replaced with new asphalt.

Photo 4: Phase 1 of the Airport Connector Road extends between the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and Sparky Drive.