St. George road repairs. Photo Credit: V.I. DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS
Residents territory-wide can expect to see an increase in local road repairs in the coming months, the V.I. Dept. of Public Works said Friday. Starting next week DPW said it will proceed with the first project utilizing funds appropriated from Act 8454 on the island of St. Croix.
The roadwork will begin on Route 83, near Catherine’s Rest, on September 26. The contractor, VI Paving Inc., will be milling, paving, and striping the roadway. Work is expected to be completed by September 29, 2021.
The roadwork schedule is as follows:
- September 26 – Night Work – Milling 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Full Road Closure)
- September 27 – Day Work – Paving 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Single Lane Closure)
- September 28 – Day Work – Paving 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Single Lane Closure)
- September 29 – Day Work – Paving 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Single Lane Closure)
On May 4, 2021, the 34th Legislature passed Bill No. 34-0036, appropriating about $20 million for milling, paving, striping and drainage improvements to over 30 locations throughout the territory. The bill, which became Act No. 8454, was signed by Gov. Albert Bryan on May 19, 2021.
DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel shared his excitement on the upcoming developments and what this funding means for the people of the territory. “We have been working closely with Governor Bryan and the Legislature to identify local roads and neighborhoods in severe disrepair,” said Gabriel. “This first issuance of task orders for six areas on St. Croix marks an important step in our aggressive campaign to repair and reconstruct our public road system, through the combination of local and federal funds available to the department.”
The Catherine’s Rest Road Repair project is the first to be addressed under Act 8454, however other local roads in Estate Mandahl, Centerline (St. John), and Calquohoun will be addressed as well. A full listing of project is provided in the attached Act. Many of these roads have not been repaired for several years, as funding for local roads repairs were not previously available.
“The DPW team is committed to ensuring the provided funds are used to maximize the territory’s recovery and reconstruction efforts,” said Gabriel. “I would like to thank the public for your continued trust and patience as we revamp our public transportation infrastructure, to better serve our residents for years to come.”
The department is urging motorists to adhere to all safety controls and directives from on-site flaggers throughout this reconstruction period.
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