The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Ministry of Works and Utilities yesterday said the $30m upgrade to Sir Milo Butler highway will extend it beyond Carmichael Road through to Cowpen Road.

Francis Clarke, senior civil engineer at the ministry, told a media briefing by the Prime Minister's Office that plans have now been drawn up for the roadworks but a start date has yet to be identified. “We are not going to cut through Faith Avenue, but its going to be parallel to Faith Avenue," he said. “We'll be going into some virgin land and there are some residential buildings there where we need to accommodate those people living in them.

“The design for the Milo Butler extension is completed. We've been trying to get that materialised for a little while. One of the challenges is the land acquisition. There are 11 dwelling homes there and they need to be compensated before we can organise any contractor.” This means that the Government will have to acquire these private properties, using the Acquisition of and Act, to facilitate the road's expansion and financially compensate the owners.

Mr Clarke also warned that the $30m price tag may be an under-estimate for the cost, as this was provided two years ago and raw material and other prices have risen significantly since then.

As for the Gladstone Road Improvement Project (GRIP), Mr Clarke added: “The designs are substantially complete. What the designs have done so far, it has informed us of where we are going to be diverting the existing utilities and what land needs to be acquired. These are called advanced works.

“Before we allow the contractor to mobilise at that site, we need to have the right of way clear for us. So if you travel along Gladstone Road right now you will see on the eastern side of the right way there are some clearings, and this is to relocate the poles and the power lines to the eastern side, and also to notify property owners of lands that are being acquired.”

The Gladstone Road Improvement Project is expected to begin before the end of summer 2023, and will involve the corridor's widening into a dual carriageway at an estimated cost of $29m. As a result of this and other ongoing road works currently underway, Mr Clarke is urging the public to have patience with road closures and traffic diversions until the enhancements are complete.