Sea Cows Bay Road Rebuild Underway as
Work to rehabilitate and reconstruct the Sea Cows Bay roadway is underway as part of the Ministry of Communications and Works Top Priority Projects. New information from a Government of the Virgin Islands press release says initial plans to mill and resurface were changed after inspections revealed significant sub-base failure, prompting a decision to fully re-engineer the road to improve durability, drainage and pedestrian access.
Road rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the Sea Cows Bay area is now underway as part of the Ministry of Communications and Works’ Top Priority Projects. The Ministry says the programme is designed to improve roadway safety and longevity, upgrade underground utilities and reduce the frequent maintenance disruptions that have affected motorists and residents.
When works began, the initial plan was to mill and resurface the existing roadway. However, inspections during early excavations revealed significant failure of the road sub-base. As a result, the Ministry decided to move beyond a simple overlay and fully re-engineer the road to provide a more durable solution that addresses the underlying problems, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer acknowledged the short-term disruptions caused by excavations and traffic interruptions but defended the decision to take a longer-term approach. “I understand the frustration that residents and the motoring public experience when roads are excavated and traffic is disrupted, and I want to assure you that this is not something we take lightly,” he said, adding that overlaying new asphalt on a failed sub-base would have been a temporary fix likely to deteriorate after heavy rainfall.
The Minister explained that while resurfacing would have been quicker and less costly upfront, it would probably have led to recurring potholes and repeated work within months, increasing inconvenience and long-term costs. “Our objective is to do this once and do it right,” Rymer said, noting that the re-engineered road will include a properly constructed foundation, adequate drainage and pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks.
Contractors are currently carrying out excavation, sub-base reconstruction, drainage improvements and upgrades to underground utilities. The Ministry emphasised that work is being performed to international standards and that safety and environmental safeguards are in place to protect residents and road users throughout the construction period.
Motorists and residents should expect temporary lane closures, localized detours and intermittent delays while works continue. The Ministry advises road users to obey signage and traffic controllers on site and to plan for additional travel time when passing the Sea Cows Bay work zone.
Residents with properties along the route are asked to be patient while contractors aim to maintain reasonable access wherever possible. No firm completion date for the Sea Cows Bay works was provided in the Government release. For further information or media enquiries, the press release lists Paul Bridgewater, Information Officer, Department of Information and Public Relations, at 468-2747 or pbridgewater@gov.vg.
General government service enquiries can be directed to the Government of the Virgin Islands at (284) 468-3701 or BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The Ministry is asking for the public’s continued patience and understanding, stressing that the temporary inconvenience from construction will result in a longer-lasting, safer road that benefits the community for years to come.
Primary source: BVI Government