The Ministry of Public Works has submitted a comprehensive project summary to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval, outlining plans for the rehabilitation of the Good Sucess to Timheri road network.
The proposed project will cover a 23.5-kilometre stretch of the two-lane road, extending from Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), near the southern outskirts of Georgetown, to Timehri, near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). This road segment, situated along the eastern bank of the Demerara River (EBDR), traverses both open areas and residential communities with spatial limitations on either side of the right-of-way due to physical barriers.
The importance of this corridor cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in supporting various economic activities. The East Bank Demerara Public Road serves as a critical transportation route for the movement of goods from the coast, facilitating value chains in sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, construction, mining, and forestry.
Notably, the Grove to Timehri section serves as the sole road connection between the airport and the capital city, Georgetown, underlining its significance.
The ministry said it has considered various alternatives and concluded that the rehabilitation of the existing roadway is the most feasible option. It is important to note that all rehabilitation work will take place within the existing right-of-way, minimizing disruptions to businesses, residences, and other spaces along the road. This approach ensures that the road’s traffic capacity remains unchanged, and no other alternatives were considered apart from the relocation of utilities and upgrades to the drainage system.
The project’s direct area of influence (DAI) encompasses several key components, including the 23.5-kilometre project corridor, temporary facilities during construction (laydown areas and day camps for workers), associated facilities like utility infrastructure upgrades, electricity poles, and drainage structures (culverts and sluices). Additionally, the two detour roads are also part of this DAI.
The Ministry of Public Works is eagerly awaiting the EPA’s review and approval of this critical infrastructure project, which promises to enhance transportation, support economic growth, and improve connectivity between key locations in the region.
