Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Joey Hew, members of the Cabinet, Parliamentary Secretary Austin Harris and the National Roads Authority Board today (Wednesday, February 4) toured several road projects currently in progress across Grand Cayman including phase one of the East-West Arterial Highway.

The National Roads Authority is undertaking works on the East-West Arterial from Hirst Road to east of Woodland Drive, and then extending south to Shamrock Road east of Breadfruit Drive (abreast Agricola Drive).

In addition, NRA will develop a new roundabout at Hirst Road as well as an intersection at Shamrock Road. This will allow motorists from the east to easily access the highway as well as commuters from the Newlands area to have an easy and efficient travel. 

Works in progress include the clearing of road corridor, compacting of base and sub-base and installation of utilities and drainage.

Minister Hew stated that after years of planning and working with the National Conservation Council (NCC), much progress has been made. “In phase two, we are working with the NCC to be able to continue the road right into the Look Out Gardens area. We are mindful that there are environmental issues that we have to overcome, but we are optimistic that we will be able to work together to mitigate any environmental concerns that they have as we try to find a balance between critical infrastructure and our natural environment.”

He further said, “This is a matter that affects the lives of so many people in the Eastern Districts and so we hope that NCC will allow the construction of phase two of the road in the coming months”.

In addition to the East West Arterial, other projects toured included the Godfrey Nixon Way extension, Shamrock Road widening, King’s Connector and the Airport Connector Roads.

Attending the road projects tour were Premier Alden McLaughlin, Hon. Roy, McTaggart, Parliamentary Secretary Austin Harris, NRA Board Members John Ebanks, Kenross Connolly, David Arch, Paul Bodden, Dane Walton and Tristan Hydes; NRA Managing Director Edward Howard and Special Projects Manager Mark Scotland.