Road works on the re-alignment of portions of the James Walter Francis Drive in preparation for the installation of traffic signals at the entrance to Wickham’s Cay II have been suspended. This may affect the three-month time estimate for the project.

On Saturday, as preparatory work began in the area, it was stopped by one of the landowners, Mark Vanterpool, who was on the site trying to explain his dissenting viewpoints to Ministry of Communication and Works officials and Fifth District Representative, Elvis Harrigan.

The StandPoint is not clear as to exactly what was the issue, but it appears as if the proposed new road will encroach on his land. Mr. Vanterpool seems set against this.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication and Works, Julian Willock, did confirm that one of the land owners had some issues with the work that was ongoing. The Ministry is holding talks with the land owner.

As such work has been suspended while the land owner’s issue is considered. Willock expects work to recommence shortly.

He noted that the same land owner was at two out of three public consultations for the project but never raised an issue at any of these meetings. The StandPoint understands that Vanterpool had raised the land encroachment issue with Minister for Communications and Works, Julian Fraser who promised that the realignment would not affect landowners.

Acting Director of the Public Works Department, Dr. Drexel Glasgow stated that the traffic signal was previously proposed for the area near the entrance to The Moorings Mariner Inn, but it was never installed.

This area has been experiencing steady growth in development and he anticipates, that the growth will continue, therefore, traffic lights are needed to address accessibility, safety and the expected growth in vehicular traffic.

Dr. Glasgow stressed that the Ministry does not expect major interruptions to the businesses on Wickham’s Cay II as the existing access point will not be altered during construction.

However, during the construction, the public can expect lane closures while the dual carriageway is realigned and the new intersection is created.

On February 11, the Ministry of Communications and Works signed four contracts to complete civil, drainage and road rehabilitation works for the Wickham‘s Cay II project. The contracts, totaling approximately $191,694, were signed with Dereck Marshalls, K & S Construction, Ronald E. Smith and R & F Construction.

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