Nassau, The Bahamas – The Ministry of Works and Urban Development announced a three-day closure for Duke Street between Baillou Hill Road and Market Street beginning Saturday, May 26 to facilitate underground works in this area.
Environmental Specialist Shanique Albury updated media on the status of the New Providence Infrastructure Improvement Project at a press briefing Thursday.
“Traffic management schemes will change to suit the various stages of work,” said Ms. Albury, regarding Duke Street. She appealed for motorists to make a special effort to read and follow posted road signs as they will change throughout the work period.
During the closure the Ministry of Works in conjunction with the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation will restore and improve Gregory’s Arch, a historical landmark.
“Restoration efforts will include repairs to portions of the arch that have been damaged, removal of roots and other vegetation growing in the limestone material of the arch along with re-plastering and painting,” Ms. Albury said.
Duke Street will also be closed on June 6 for road paving.
The Ministry of Works will hold a Town Meeting at 7 p.m. on June 7 at Queen’s College to discuss plans for the Wulff and Village Roads area. Ms. Albury noted that this is the final corridor slated for construction under the project.
Work on this corridor began on May 14 and is anticipated to continue for an additional 10 weeks. The construction includes installation of future ducts, traffic signal ducts, drainage and under underground utilities. Motorists are advised to use Park Gate Road as an alternative.
Six Royal Palm trees that fall within the footprint of works on the Wulff and Village Roads junction have to be removed, Ms. Albury advised. “Following consultation with two professional landscaping firms and an internal assessment, it was determined that the Royal Palm trees cannot be transplanted. It is regrettable that these palms cannot be saved,” she said. Measures will be taken to compensate for the loss of the trees.
By Bahamas Information Services
