Motorists will have to wait a while longer for the completion of roadworks to the northbound lane of the Wildey Triangle in Wildey, St Michael.
According to a statement provided by the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) yesterday, though the road remained open, construction was temporarily paused while assessments are currently being done to determine an alternate method of completion.
This is because the current stockpile of crusher-run material, earmarked for use in the road’s sub base, remains oversaturated following recent heavy rainfall on the island just a week ago.
The statement added that under the original plan, the fine “dust-like” material was to be used in the sub base, along with a cement-stabilised base in preparation for paving.
Following technical consultations among MTW, project management consultants from Professional Engineers Services Limited and contractor C. O. Williams Construction Ltd, a decision was taken to temporarily pause the roadworks and allocate time for the crusher-run to dry to a level acceptable for construction.
In the meantime, the project team has been exploring alternate solutions in the event that the material does not dry within an adequate time frame.
As an area that usually faces heavy traffic, the detours and rocky conditions of the road have added to congestion in the area while some local businesses reported setbacks in activity due to the disruptions of traffic at the Wildey Triangle.
Last week, when the Sunday Sun reported on the progress of the roadworks, an employee at Carter’s General Store in Wildey, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the congestion made entry and exit to the business more challenging.
The rocky conditions of the triangle’s northbound lane means motorists have to drive at a slower than usual pace, out of caution and concern of potential damage to their vehicles.
MTW said “the safe and timely completion of the project remains a priority”. Though they have not confirmed a date for the project’s completion, they assured the public that an “update will be provided once they have settled on an approach”.
(JRN/PR)
