When Cabinet Ministers meet today, proposed changes to the road network in New Providence are expected to be thrashed out, according to the Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts.
The four-lane carriageway being created on Harrold Road is expected to lead to other drastic changes in which a portion of Baillou Hill Road, which currently has two-way traffic, will be transformed into a one-way thoroughfare, Minister Roberts said.
He explained the changes at a recent update on the massive New Providence Road Improvement Project that should have wrapped up in 2003.
“When we are completed the four lane carriage that I indicated that is subject to Cabinet’s approval Tuesday, from the round-about of Harrold Road to the intersection at Robinson Road, traffic will then be changed to one way going north on Blue Hill Road,” he told reporters.
“So you will have two lanes going north on Blue Hill Road from that point. Market Street will be converted to one way going from north to south. I am just dying for the day for that change to happen because it will make one hell of a difference to the movement of traffic here on the island of New Providence.”
The government’s decision to transform what was originally supposed to have been one giant road improvement work into smaller projects, allowing Bahamian engineers and contractors to get in on the action, has contributed to an even costlier bill.
Minister Roberts said the initial $52 million projected outlay for the New Providence Road Improvement Project will likely increase to between $65 million and $70 million.
However, Minister Roberts maintained that at the end of the day the public will receive value for money.
Referring to the Harrold Road highway, Minister Roberts said when completed it will stand out as a “testament” to the quality of work Bahamian road builders are capable of doing.
“You are not likely to see any flooding on that highway because some of the finest engineering minds were engaged to ensure that that didn’t happen,” he said.
He went on the record saying that Harrold Road will not be dug up during his time as Minister as adequate provisions were put in place for utility workers to not have to resort to that measure.
Additionally, he gave an assurance that works along the roadway will be completed by the end of this month ahead of the opening of schools.
Protracted road works and improper signage that made access to their businesses very difficult had some Harrold Road businesses and residents up in arms.
Mr. Roberts said it is not the intention of the government to undermine anyone’s business.
He said his technical staff is reviewing the concerns that have been presented and will do what can be done without compromising the overall objectives of the project.
By: Tosheena Robinson-Blair, The Bahama Journal
