News

Construction work has commenced on the Layou Road Project at cost of over eleven million dollars.

The road, which is the third component in the Layou Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project, is expected to be completed over a twelve-month period and will connect the Hillsborough Bridge and the York Valley Bridge.

The road project will be done in two phases including the construction and rehabilitation of the four-kilometer road and elements of the river draining works and the construction of river defense structures at four critical locations.

Minister for Public Works and the Digital Economy, Hon. Cassanni Laville described the project as a significant investment.

“We have also started what we call the Layou East Component which is a 4-kilometer roadway section starting from the Hillsborough Bridge all the way to the York Valley Bridge. This is a very significant investment costing right about 11.5 million dollars,” Hon. Laville stated.  

The Public Works Minister explained that when completed, the new road, which will run from the Hillsborough Bridge to the York Valley Bridge, will greatly improve access for farmers of the area and other road users.

“Works started on August 16 of this year and the entire duration of this contract is estimated to be twelve months. Work is progressing quite nicely and we are very satisfied with what is ongoing so far. The expected road width will be 6.5 metres and this will certainly improve the access, the livelihood, the convenience of the people and particularly the farmers in this area,” Minister Laville noted.

Parliamentary Representative for the St. Joseph Constituency Hon. Dr. Adis King described the project as timely, going on to say that she anticipates a project that when completed, will serve her constituency and Dominicans by extension, for generations to come.

“I just want to ensure that we receive a product that sticks with the standards that this Government has decided on in terms of resilience; something that we can stand on for years. I also want to thank you for the work you have done so far. I can see that it is well thought out and will be able to last for years to come. So, thank you for your effort, your details and your attention,’ Dr. King stated.

Consultant Engineer on the Layou River Infrastructure Design Phase-One; Mr. Denis Chum explained that the final design for the road project is under review and will soon be presented to the Ministry of Public Works for approval.

“We focused firstly on hydraulics and hydraulics design and we have found a number of drainage channels which we have not included. So, we are reviewing those designs and reviewing a proposed design which we will present to the Ministry for approval before we proceed with implementation,” Mr. Chum noted.

Meanwhile, Road Engineer on the Project, Mr. Alexis George stated that focus will be placed on sections of road which are in need of repair

“I think between intervention three and the existing road is in more or less good condition. We will probably be doing some patching and so on, and we think that we could use those additional funds elsewhere, where the road is in a worst condition,” he explained.

The road is expected to remain open and accessible to road users during the construction period, however appropriate road signs will be erected for the safety of staff and all commuters. 

“In terms of safety, we plan to keep the road open to traffic as much as possible during the works. So, the contractors prepared a Traffic Management Plan where basically we have signages stationed on either side of the works that are ongoing. Some signs include heavy equipment, local access, men at work, speed limit, single lane or double lane traffic among others. So, I think we are in a place that will ensure a smooth execution of the works and we ask the public to just adhere to the signage and to the instructions of the authorized personnel,” Mr. George added.

The Layou Road Project is one of many significant infrastructural projects currently being implemented by the Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy, as the country moves towards its goal of becoming the world’s first climate resilient nation while continuing to prioritize the development of the country and the safety of its citizens.