Vehicular travel has not been at the normal level in Anguilla, due to the recent “stay-at-home” COVID-19 restrictions (now lifted).
That may have been one reason why the stoplight area at the Edwin Wallace Rey Drive at George Hill has not been seeing the usual traffic congestion. The second, and perhaps, main reason is that the new bypass road, from the stoplight down to the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway, has been in operation since its official opening on Wednesday, May 26, thus speeding up the flow of traffic at what was one of the busiest sections of road in Anguilla.
The bypass road, which had been in the planning stage for some time now, during the time of the previous Government of Anguilla, was recently constructed under the present Administration. It involved a cost of 175,000 US dollars funded by the UK Government.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam was grateful to the partnership of a number of persons in the project. She said it also showcased the determination and innovation of Minister Haydn Hughes, and the Department of Infrastructure, to strengthen the road network of Anguilla.
Premier Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster thanked the UK Government and the Governor’s Office for funding the bypass road. He noted that it was necessary as Anguilla’s road network is becoming more modernised.
Minister of Infrastructure, Mr. Haydn Hughes, who is delighted with the construction of the bypass, said that its concept was created many years ago by Sergeant Delvin Fleming of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Among other persons he thanked were the members of the Procurement Board for their hard work – and diligence. He thanked members of his Ministry and Department for their work and the Governor’s Office for its support. He reported that the designs for the Carter Rey Boulevard, commonly called The Valley Road, were in an advanced stage of completion and felt assured by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam that once the designs were completed that 2022 would be a great year for road development in Anguilla.
The Elected Representative for Valley South, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, Minister of Education and Social Development, was particularly pleased that the road development had taken place in her constituency.
Roads Engineer at the Department of Infrastructure, Mr. Shaynis Connor, said that a 2008 study had indicated that the George Hill section of road “was operating at or near capacity.” He pointed out that the congestion had resulted in increased delays and was very evident during peak hours.
He explained that in order to address the situation “it was necessary to construct a left-turn lane at the traffic signal light in order to improve the flow of traffic on the very busy stretch of road. The technical details include that the bypass road, including the transition and merging lanes, is approximately 135 metres long. It is 14 feet wide, catering for large turning vehicles.”
He continued: “A 4-foot wide pedestrian walk, with hard standing median along a section of its length, has been provided with crosswalks strategically located. Other safety features include traffic signs to warn and guide traffic – and also line markings to give direction, designate the lanes and indicate yield locations.
“The edge of the road has been embanked with soil material – and once vegetation takes root it will assist in stabilising the slope and the road. A traffic island has been created – and low plants and other landscaping features are permitted within this island to improve the aesthetics of the junction without compromising safety.”
After giving other features of the bypass, Mr. Connor went on: “The left turn lane terminates at a give-way intersection. At this junction, vehicles are required to give way to oncoming traffic from the traffic signal light and merge with the traffic only when it is safe to do so. Vehicles are prohibited from turning right at this section.”
The main contractor was Mr. Junie Fleming, and the survey work was done by Cleveland Richards of Richards Architect and Development. The road markings were done by Mr. John Rogers of Land Development and Survey Services; and the road signs were provided by Ron’s Sign Shop.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Karim Hodge, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The opening prayer was delivered by Pastor Gareth Hodge of the Hilltop Baptist Church – and the Vote of Thanks was given by Ms. Erlyn Wilkinson of the Department of Infrastructure.
