The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) is advising residents and road users that roadworks at Prior Park, St. James are expected to be completed by the end of August this year, barring adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
The project, which began in September 2024, was not without challenges. Deep excavation had to be conducted along some sections of the road which delayed progress. However, contractor C.O. Williams Construction Limited is now progressing steadily in a southerly direction towards the junction with Thorpes Main Road. This is largely due to the discovery of the rock sub-base being closer to the road’s surface in this section.
It is anticipated that by June 30, approximately 200 meters of roadway up to Prior Park Crescent South junction will be paved. Currently the excavation to rock, marl filling and compacting operations are in progress.
Deep excavation and rock cutting are also underway to straighten the ‘S’ bend on the western side of one section of the roadway.
The road realignment phase was previously delayed due to the relocation of two poles by the Barbados Light and Power (BL&P). This repositioning of BL&P poles and overhead cables, in turn, delayed the required trenching needed for the relocation of a short section of Barbados Water Authority (BWA) main. However, this is now in progress, and it is anticipated that the repositioning of the 80-metre section of water main should be completed by month-end. Three new wells are being dug, and catch pits are being constructed to improve drainage in the area. Concrete kerb work will resume next week.
The rehabilitation of Prior Park Road is being undertaken in phases, with the C.O. Williams Construction team now working on the final phase. The first phase started at the gas station at Redman Village and continued to the Prior Park Roundabout. The full scope of works stretched from the junction of Ronald Mapp Highway (Highway 2A) and Prior Park Road, extending through the Prior Park Roundabout to the junction of Prior Park Road and Thorpe’s Main Road.
To date, 550 metres of the Prior Park Road has been paved with sidewalks, which are 1.5metres wide, installed on both sides of the road. Water mains were replaced and drainage was upgraded. The Prior Park Roundabout was repaved in roller-compacted concrete.
Construction on the triangular shaped island near the gas station in Redmans Village is scheduled to resume by month-end. It will be constructed using in-situ concrete, with bollards and signage installed afterward.
The rehabilitation of Prior Park Road is being executed under MTW’s CAF Road Rehabilitation Programme, which is funded by the Development Bank for the Caribbean and Latin America. MTW continues to thank residents and road users for their patience and cooperation.
