Rda Details Tree Replacement Rationale Amid Delayed
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency has clarified its technical reasons for replacing mature trees along DeCastro Street following assessments by project engineers and contractors. While the $798,108 sidewalk revitalisation was originally scheduled to commence on September 7, works remain temporarily paused pending final contractual and administrative clearances.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has announced a delay in the start of the DeCastro Street Sidewalk Improvement Project, which was originally scheduled to get underway on Monday, September 7, 2026. The agency noted that a revised start date will be announced once remaining contractual and administrative requirements are finalized.
The project recently drew heightened public attention and scrutiny following revelations that mature trees lining the commercial corridor—including Mahogany, White Cedar, and Yellow Poui—will be removed and replaced. Acknowledging community sentiment, the RDA noted that it recognizes the public's deep connection to the existing trees, the history they represent, and the valuable shade they provide across the capital.
Detailing the technical background, the RDA explained that an assessment conducted by project engineers and the contractor concluded that tree removal was unavoidable. Because the established root systems are deeply embedded beneath the current sidewalks and adjacent parking lots, the trees would inevitably suffer fatal and irreversible damage during the heavy demolition of the old concrete surfaces.
To establish a healthier and more sustainable urban corridor, the RDA's project design incorporates the planting of Bottlebrush and Verawood Bulnesia species. These varieties were selected specifically for their salt tolerance and less aggressive root systems, making them ideally adapted to the saline conditions of the Wickham's Cay area.
The agency emphasized that this approach will deliver better value for money by reducing the risk of recurring pavement damage and preventing the need for future structural repairs while ensuring unobstructed access along newly constructed six-foot, ADA-compliant walkways. The infrastructure overhaul is being carried out under a $798,108.74 contract signed on July 30, 2026, with TMB Enterprises.
Delivered under the Road Town Development Partnership, the initiative is funded by the Government of the Virgin Islands in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development. Over the years, severe root intrusion along DeCastro Street has fractured concrete sidewalks, creating dangerous hazards for pedestrians, especially the elderly, wheelchair users, and families with strollers.
Alongside the new sidewalks and replacement greenery, the project includes reinstated stormwater drainage and widened parking lot entrances. To minimize disruptions to Road Town commerce, the contractor will conduct the majority of civil works during nighttime hours across a 120-day construction timeline once final clearances are granted.
Primary source: VINO