By Delicia Janneire | January 8, 2025
The Thomas Lands Road Project is moving forward as Phase One nears completion and Phase Two is set to begin. Project Engineer at the Ministry of Public Works, Kester Hinds, provided an update during a site visit on January 7, 2025.
Phase One, valued at 381.6 million dollars, is nearly complete, with the main access road expected to reopen to vehicular traffic next week.
This phase, executed by J.K.P. Construction, covered the stretch from Albert to Camp Street.
As work wraps up on Phase One, Phase Two is scheduled to begin.
A contract worth 740.7 million dollars has been awarded through a public tender for the next phase, which will proceed in sections to minimize disruption to traffic.
Hinds explained that Phase Two will replicate the design of Phase One, including the addition of geo-cell materials for road widening, the creation of two comfortable lanes, and a pedestrian walkway on the northern side.
The same methodologies will be used for the upcoming work.
Minister of Public Works, Hon. Juan Edghill, emphasized that the ministry has engaged key agencies that may experience inconvenience during the construction period, including the National Park, the Guyana Defence Force, and the David Rose Special School.
Despite potential disruptions, the minister reassured that traffic would continue to flow, although not always in two-way directions, due to the importance of the road as a major artery.
He encouraged the public to bear with the inconveniences for the long-term benefits the project will bring.
Phase Two’s scope also includes reinforcing and stabilizing the aging road infrastructure to prevent slipping.
Geotechnical works such as Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls will be constructed on both sides of the road.
This will involve using geo-grid and geo-fabric materials, filled with sand at the lower base and concrete for the outer walls, to reinforce the road.
Phase Two is expected to last 10 to 12 months, and work will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding areas.