By KATHRYN CAMPBELL
Bahamas Information Services
#Nassau, Bahamas, August 29, 2022 – A roundabout is being added in front of Queen’s College and the Bahamas National Trust to improve the safety of drivers and pedestrians crossing Village Road, a major New Providence thoroughfare. The Ministry of Works and Services announced plans for the addition during a walk on Friday, August 26, 2022.
“There is some additional work being carried out in connection with the installation of a roundabout in front of Queen’s College and the Bahamas National Trust,” said Minister of Works and Services the Hon. Alfred Sears.
“We will meet with both stakeholders to further discuss what is intended to make this road more efficient and also to improve the quality of life not only for residents in this community, but also for guests who come as students, teachers at Queen’s College and also guests and customers of the National Trust and other commercial establishments in Village Road.
The $6.4 million project, which started in January of this year, is expected to be completed in November. The project includes the installation of 8-inch water mains and mains for the entire length of the village road, improvements at several junctions, lane widening, addition of turn lanes, video camera traffic systems, underground works, resurfacing, signage and new lanes.
Minister Sears led a team of engineers, representatives of Knowles Construction, Bahamas National Trust and
media on a tour of the project from Queen’s College to the entrance of St. Andrew’s Drive. Also present were Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary and Luther Smith, Permanent Secretary.
Resident Engineer Albrion Symonette Jr. said the roundabout will require the installation of an additional road ring and pavement.
“The current situation has many turning movements where there are conflicts and points where cars can collide and it also creates danger for pedestrians.
“Replacing the roundabout will require us to do some demolition, some wall relocation and vegetation relocation. Once done this will improve the efficiency, flow of the village road and also improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians, most of whom are children, because it is a school zone after all.”
Mr. Symonette said that among the challenges facing the project are underground utilities.
“While you’re digging there are times when you actually damage the pipes. Damages along the way have caused some delays and obstacles,” he said.
Minister Sears highlighted the “outstanding” collaboration with Knowles Construction, BPL, WSC, Cable Bahamas and the Ministry of Works and Services and applauded the design and construction of the project by Bahamians.
“This project was designed by Bahamians. It is also being built by Bahamians, so we have the technical expertise and Bahamian creativity that have carried out the initial design process and now the Bahamian expertise in building and installing the infrastructure. It is a fact that we should celebrate that in the Bahamas a local talent in the ministry and the private sector has undertaken this major project and it will be world class.”
“You would have seen as we did the walk this afternoon in some places the excavation goes up to 8 ft. where the cables are being laid not only for the current use but also for the further extension going all the way to Paradise Island so that the infrastructure is suitable not only for the current purpose, but also for the expected expansion and rehabilitation along the route of the existing infrastructure.”
He thanked stakeholders including businesses and residents for their “outstanding” co-operation and the courtesy shown by motorists as they diverted from main roads to side roads. “The report I received from Mr. Symonette is that the stakeholders have been extremely cooperative. I want to thank all parties involved, apologize for any inconvenience, but by November we will have a dramatically improved road, pavement and more efficient infrastructure along this very central road.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Head: Pictured first left: Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works and Services, leading a tour of the Village Road Improvement Project on Friday, August 16, 2022. Also shown are Albrion Symonette Jr., resident engineer (center) and Parliamentary Secretary Bacchus Rolle.
First entry: Albion Symonette Jr. resident engineer. (first left) together with Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works (centre) and Bacchus Rolle, Parliamentary Secretary, discuss the Village Road Improvement Project during a tour on Friday, August 26, 2022.
2nd entry: A view of the Village Road Improvement Project at the entrance of Queen’s College and The Bahamas National Trust.
3rd entry: A scene from construction on the Village Road Improvement Project.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
