St Kitts: Road rehabilitation project enhances safety for drivers, pedestrians

The completion of Phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the island’s main road in St. Kitts has made the commuting experience for persons travelling between Conaree and Keys, as well as Camps and Challengers, a more enjoyable experience, but more importantly a safer commute.

Under Phase 1, the resurfacing of the abovementioned stretch of road was done by Surrey Paving and Aggregate Co. Ltd. Local contractors such as Allie’s Construction, B & B Backhoe and Trucking Services, Boonie’s Construction, O’Loughlin Construction, and Huggins and Son Construction, also undertook various work that resulted in the construction of a proper drainage system on the eastern side of St. Kitts in the vicinity of CONTEC, the widening of the main road, as well as the building of drains, retention walls and sidewalks at various points.

During a presentation in the National Assembly on Wednesday (February 20, 2019), Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd, highlighted the excellent work done by the local contractors. He said an important feature of the resurfacing project saw the installation of Cat Eyes Reflectors that clearly mark the middle and edges of the road.

“The Cat Eyes Reflectors make the road look so international,” Minister Liburd said referring to road on the western side of the island already resurfaced. “But on the eastern side as well Mr. Speaker, form Conaree down into Keys ... similar markings. The guard rails, the reflectors, we haven’t seen anything yet,” he added, hinting to plans for Phase 2.

Inspector Carl Caines, Head of the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, said that the reflectors have greatly enhanced road safety, particularly at night. He noted the markings and reflectors will help promote lane integrity allowing drivers to stay within their respective lanes.

Inspector Caines added that additional signage highlighting the speed limit, road curves, blind spots, heavy vehicle turnings and other relevant information will be mounted along the resurfaced sections. This is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2019.