Charting new paths

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Facey Square in Troja St. Catherine on June 15, 2023. The event marked the commencement of a $121 million Road Rehabilitation project to significantly improve the state of a 7km stretch along the Natural Bridge to Troja corridor. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Everald Warmington (second right), is joined by (from left), Contractor Benton Woodbine, Manager, Communication and Customer Service at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, Member of Parliament for St. Catherine North East, Kerensia Morrison and Parish Manager (St. Catherine), NWA, Anthony Knight at Groundbreaking $16.5 Million Dollar Mit- The implementation of traffic Toxicity in Leadership and igation Programme for changes in Mandeville in full Its Potential Impact on the Western Parishes ... p. 2 gear ... p. 17 Team ... p. 21-23 ROADSTER ROADSTER “Paving Way” Volume “PavingthetheWay” Volume42 43 Issue Issue67 68 March 2023 June 2023 2 $16.5 Million Dollar Mitigation Programme for Western Parishes In preparation for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the National Works Agency has undertaken a $16.5 million drain cleaning programme in the Western Region. The programme, which is now well-advanced, forms part of the Agency’s island-wide Disaster Mitigation Programme. The programme targets several critical drains and gullies in flood-prone areas. Among the drains which are being targeted are the Margaret Gutter in Westmoreland; the Birch Hill Gully in St. James; drains along the Riley to Bushmouth roadway in Hanover; as well as drains in Hague, Trelawny. With temperatures reaching record levels, and some pundits hinting that The Birch Hill gully Birch Hill, St. these temperatures may precipitate , pictured here James Works Agenc , is one of the drai y’s Mitigation ns that was ta the development of a major storm Programme fo rgeted under the National r Western Pari event, many are now wondering how shes. prepared the island is for such an occurrence. According to predictions from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season may see 12-17 named storms, of which 5-9 may develop into hurricanes and another 1-4 of these storms may develop into major Hurricanes. The disaster mitigation programme, which is now well underway, is just one aspect of the Agency’s mitigation efforts. Since the start of the year, there have been a number of drain cleaning exercises as well as a number of major infrastructure projects, with significant drainage improvement components, which have been undertaken. This has resulted in the improvement of the drainage systems in several flood-prone areas. The programme One such case is the Tollgate to Grange Hill Road improvement project which was completed at a cost of approximately $8 targets several critical million in March 2023. The project targeted a section of the roadway located in the Bulstrode community, which was often drains and gullies in inundated following heavy rainfall. In order to correct the problem, the roadway was raised and a number of new drainage flood-prone areas. devices including culverts and V drains were installed. This has greatly improved the situation along the corridor. There have been several similar initiatives along other critical roadways including the Stettin to Highgate Hall roadway in South Trelawny and the Friendship to Retirement roadway in East Central St. James. ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 43 Issue 68 June 2023 3 Revitalizing Infrastructure: A New Box Culvert with Enhanced Features for Cod Pen in Llandewey, St. Thomas St. Thomas is on the cusp of a transformational infrastructure project in Cod Pen along the Llandewey main road. The replacement of an old box culvert in this area was long overdue, as the deteriorating structure posed numerous safety concerns for both pedestrians and motorists. The forthcoming installation of a new box culvert promises to be a game- changer, boasting reinforced concrete, expansive sidewalks, and additional retaining walls to safeguard the roadway. The existing box culvert in Cod Pen had served its purpose for many years, but time had taken its toll on the structure. Continuous exposure to the elements, coupled with increased traffic, had left the culvert in a deplorable condition. Cracks, erosion, and weakened foundations had compromised the safety and reliability of the culvert, necessitating its replacement. Photo of old structure To overcome the limitations of the previous box culvert, the new structure will be constructed with modern engineering techniques and high-quality materials. Reinforced concrete will form the backbone of the culvert, ensuring enhanced durability, longevity, and resilience against the elements. This sturdy foundation will provide the structure with the strength to withstand heavy loads and inclement weather conditions, safeguarding the passage of vehicles and pedestrians alike. Recognizing the importance of providing safe and convenient pedestrian pathways, the new box culvert will be designed with expansive sidewalks on both sides. These dedicated walkways will allow pedestrians to traverse the area safely, segregated from vehicular traffic. This strategic inclusion will significantly improve pedestrian safety, fostering a walkable environment and encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle for residents and visitors. Understanding the necessity of safeguarding the roadway from potential soil erosion and landslides, the new box culvert project will incorporate robust retaining walls. These protective barriers will help stabilize the surrounding terrain, preventing potential hazards and ensuring the integrity of the roadway, even during adverse weather events. Continued on page 4 ROADSTER ROADSTER “Paving “Pavingthe Way” Volume theWay” Volume4243Issue Issue6768 March June 2023