The East Coast Road Project is advancing steadily, with significant progress reported despite several challenges encountered during its implementation. Consultant Engineer Kendall Johnson provided an update on the ongoing works, highlighting near-completion milestones on both Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the project. Funded by the World Bank under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity from Bois Diable to Hatton Garden, passing through Castle Bruce and the Kalinago Territory.
Lot 1, spanning Bois Diable to Castle Bruce, is currently 95% complete. Johnson noted that excavation, road widening, retaining walls, and culvert installations have been fully completed. Upcoming works include the installation of guard rails, signage, and the completion of pavements, surfacing, and bus stops.
For Lot 2, covering Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden via the Kalinago Territory, progress stands at 88%. Excavation is finished, while retaining walls are 97% complete, culverts at 98%, and road pavement at 95%. The asphalt concrete surfacing is nearing 94% completion. Johnson also reported the completion of two out of three bridges, with the Pagua Bridge remaining as the major outstanding civil work, targeted for completion by June.
Project adjustments were necessary due to unforeseen site conditions, including upgrades to drainage culverts and roadside drains to manage higher rainfall levels. Longer and taller retaining walls were also constructed to address changing site dynamics since the initial design in 2017-2018. Additionally, substandard soils discovered during road widening required replacement with stronger materials.
Upgrades to the potable water network were undertaken in collaboration with DOWASCO, installing new pipelines from Sineku to Antrezel. However, the project faced delays due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increased shipping costs, and new land developments impacting drainage systems.
Despite these hurdles, Johnson expressed optimism about the project’s outcomes, urging patience as the final stages are completed. He assured the public that the finished road network would meet expectations, providing long-term resilience and improved connectivity for Dominica.
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