Works Begin on Sir Francis Drakes Highway
The Ministry of Communications and Works has begun coastal protection and roadway improvement works along Sir Francis Drakes Highway between Fort Recovery and Cox Heath, the first phase of a nine-mile programme from the West End Ferry Terminal to Road Town. The $14,088,620.02 contract with Tortola Paving was signed in December 2025 and initial activity focuses on strengthening the revetment with additional boulders, followed by sea wall reconstruction, concrete pavement upgrades and new V-drainage installations. The ministry’s announcement has been corroborated by BVI News, which published images of crews and equipment on site; motorists should expect temporary traffic disruptions and are urged to exercise caution in the area.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Communications and Works, has commenced critical coastal protection and roadway improvement works along Sir Francis Drakes Highway between Fort Recovery and Cox Heath. The ministry says this work is the first phase of a wider nine-mile enhancement programme stretching from the West End Ferry Terminal to Road Town.
The contract to carry out the works — valued at $14,088,620.02 — was signed with Tortola Paving in December 2025, the ministry confirmed. Initial site activity is focused on strengthening the existing revetment system. Crews are placing additional boulders to create a protective setback zone between the shoreline and the carriageway.
According to the ministry, the revetment acts as the primary coastal barrier and the added setback is intended to reduce the direct impact of wave action and limit the coastal erosion that has repeatedly damaged this exposed stretch during storms. BVI News also reported on the commencement and published images showing crews and equipment on site, corroborating the ministry’s update.
Following the revetment work, contractors will rebuild sections of sea defence wall that have deteriorated or collapsed in several locations. The ministry said the reconstructed wall will serve as a secondary line of defence working in tandem with the revetment to better protect the roadway from storm surge and extreme weather.
As part of this first-phase work, approximately 4,000 linear feet of roadway between Fort Recovery and Cox Heath will be upgraded with concrete pavement. The ministry explained that concrete was chosen for its greater durability against storm surge and the repeated impacts of tropical systems.
In addition, a new V-drainage system will be installed to channel surface water away from the road and discharge it safely through the sea wall and revetment, reducing flooding and helping to prevent further erosion. Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer said the project is a major step forward for a vulnerable coastal corridor: "By investing in stronger sea defenses, improved drainage, and more resilient pavement, we are protecting lives, property, and critical transportation links.
This project reflects our commitment to building resilient infrastructure that can better withstand the impacts of climate change and severe weather, while improving safety and daily travel for residents and visitors alike," he stated in the ministry release. The ministry describes the overall programme as a three-phase effort, prioritising the Fort Recovery to Cox Heath section so residents and commuters can see expedited safety and resilience benefits.
Motorists travelling between Road Town and West End should expect temporary traffic disruptions and are urged to exercise caution around the worksites; the ministry apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the public for its patience. For enquiries, the ministry’s Communications Specialist Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway can be contacted at 1-284-340-3545 or dhgreenaway@yahoo.com.
The government’s international media enquiries email is BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and the central switchboard is 1-(284)-468-3701. Sources: Ministry of Communications and Works (Government of the Virgin Islands) and BVI News.
Primary source: BVI Government