Expect Road Disruption in 2026
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says major roadworks across Tortola are underway and residents should prepare for disruptions in 2026. He confirmed Fish Bay improvements are complete, Hodge’s Creek to Paraquita Bay work is near completion, and a contract for West End to Road Town repairs will go to Cabinet soon.
Natalio Wheatley has warned Virgin Islands residents to prepare for road disruption in 2026 as the Government pushes ahead with major resurfacing and reconstruction projects across Tortola. Speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice on October 8, 2025, Premier Wheatley said the Ministry of Communications and Works is leading substantial works islandwide and urged the public to accept some disruption if the projects are to be done properly. "I’m just saying to us in 2026, prepare for some level of road disruption because if you want to do it right, you’re going to have to disrupt persons," he said.
The Premier highlighted recent and ongoing projects, noting that work on the Fish Bay road has been completed and that crews are currently finishing the Hodge’s Creek to Paraquita Bay stretch. He acknowledged that the Hodge’s Creek repairs have taken longer than anticipated. "It’s taken a lot longer than I would like…But hopefully we are able to do the work as effectively and efficiently as possible, and when we finish, we have a nice road that will last us many decades," Wheatley said.
Looking ahead, Wheatley disclosed that a major contract for roadworks from the ferry in West End to the ferry in Road Town will be presented to Cabinet shortly. That southern coastal spine is a key artery for commuters, school transport, freight and visitors arriving by ferry, and the planned works are expected to significantly improve driving conditions once complete.
The Premier reiterated that while disruptions are inevitable during construction, the Government’s aim is to deliver long-lasting, higher-quality roads. For residents and businesses, that will likely mean temporary traffic management measures, partial closures and altered travel times during construction periods.
BVI residents are advised to monitor official communications from the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Office of the Premier for schedules, detour information and safety notices. Motorists should allow extra time for journeys on affected routes, consider alternative travel times where possible, and follow signage and traffic-control instructions around worksites.
The Government says these investments are intended to strengthen critical infrastructure and support long-term connectivity across Tortola. Further details, including the full scope and timetable for the West End–Road Town contract, are expected once Cabinet reviews and approves the award.
Primary source: VINO