Officials say the work will go a long way in promoting safety and economic development, easing traffic congestion and creating a scenic view in the area.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the signing of a more than $500,000 contract for the enhancement of the intersection of Mackey and Shirley streets.
The project is an initiative between the Ministry of Works and Utilities and Kerzner International.
According to Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts, as part of the project, a separate right turning lane on to Shirley Street from Mackey Street will be constructed.
This will facilitate the primary movement of traffic exiting Mackey Street and accessing Shirley Street, he said.
The project will also result in the removal of the milk stand ﾖ “Dis Is it ﾖ Try Me,” a fixture on the intersection for at least six decades.
Four contracts have been awarded for the project, the first to R and M Trucking Ltd in the amount of $8,500 for the demolition of the milk stand.
A $210,222.10 contract has been given to Bill Simmons Construction and Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd. for the completion of the civil road works; a contract to V.C. Construction in the amount of $139,000 for the completion of the concrete and drainage works, and a $55,794 contract to Hy-Power International for the upgrade of the traffic signals.
Kerzner International has agreed to contribute $250,000 for the project. It will also give in excess of $60,000 for the design works and the project management along with another $30,000 for the relocation of the vendor, who was a tenant in the milk-stand building.
According to Kerznerﾒs Vice President of Public Affairs, Ed Fields, the company has since relocated the vendor to a prime spot on its Phase III development on Paradise Island.
“We realize that this type of partnership works to the mutual benefit of everyone involved,” Mr. Fields said.
“Not only our guests have to traverse these roads, those guests are for the most part transported by bus and taxi drivers. Then there are our close to 7,000 employees and the general public at large.”
Minister Roberts added to those sentiments.
He pointed out that once the project is completed within 90 days, it would act as a catalyst for the initiation and completion of other such projects necessary to improve traffic management in New Providence.
The idea to create a merge lane at the intersection did not happen overnight.
According to Minister Roberts, just over 15 months ago he and Mr. Fields discussed the project.
However, the concept dates back even further.
In the 1990s, the HNTB Corporation was commissioned by Kerzner International to conduct a study to examine access to Paradise Island from Lynden Pindling Airport.
According to Minister Roberts, the critical component of the study revealed that in order to facilitate the free flow of traffic exiting Paradise Island via the bridge, it was necessary for the signal timings to be upgraded and infrastructure improvements be completed at the junction of Mackey and Shirley streets.
Among those present for the contract signing was Frank Smith, St. Thomas More MP, in whose constituency the intersection sits.
Mr. Smith commended the government for answering the need and call to facilitate a positive change in that community.
Equally pleased was Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, who shared similar sentiments.
“What is significant about this is that we are beginning to face some realities of what is happening in New Providence. It is a burgeoning economy, tremendous traffic and economic activity and the engineering aspect is beginning to catch up with what is happening,” Minister Hanna-Martin said.
Officials said the roadwork enhancement project would begin as soon as possible, mainly taking place on the weekends.
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
