Works on ECD Railway Embankment to be done during non-peak hours – Edghill

…assures residents of no major traffic disruptions

A detailed traffic management plan has been outlined as Phase Two of the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Public Road Widening and Improvement Project commences, to prevent major disruption.
A community stakeholder consultation meeting was recently led by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and they were updated on the scope of works and necessary relocation.
The works span from Annandale to Mahaica/Embankment Road and Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau. While construction will be scheduled during non-peak hours, specific action was taken for urban and business zones.
According to the Minister, residents must be updated on the scope of the project which allows them to observe if what is being done is in accordance with the work programme.

Currently, the road does not allow for the free flow of traffic when public transportation stops for commuters, causing a buildup in traffic. A development boom in infrastructure and housing resulted in much need for the widening, Minister Edghill told residents.
“With the road being widened, buses would be able to stop and you would still be able to have a lane continuing going east and a lane going west because the traffic will continue to flow. There are more housing developments that are coming to the East Coast and Enmore is being developed into an industrial zone…We can’t do that on the small roads that we had.”
Cognisant of the fact that vendors along the Embankment will have to be relocated soon, he called on them to cooperate with authorities so that they could be properly accommodated at a new location and continue plying their trade.
“We are conscious that there are people who have established small business on the reserves and the reserve is what we’re using to bring about the expansion. The answer is yes, you will have to move for the road to go through. But in consultations and engagements like this, we will work to get you properly accommodated in a safe way so that you can continue the business.”
He added, “What is required is cooperation. It means you understand what we’re trying to do, we understand your plights, challenges, and difficulties; and we find how we can get the project going and make sure your life and livelihood are not interrupted unjustly.”
Work has started in areas where there are no encumbrances while the Ministry works on ironing out issues regarding the relocation of vendors and other stakeholder’s meetings.
The project is pegged at $192.3 million and was awarded to China Railway First Group Incorporated. The construction period is expected to last 25 months. The Railway Embankment runs parallel to the Rupert Craig Highway.