[ad_1]
Minister Stephenson King reiterated the government’s commitment to building “climate-resilient” roads as part of the “Year of Infrastructure 2030” initiative.
This strategic plan covers not only roads but also other structures across the island. The Road Improvement and Maintenance Programme (RIMP) is implemented in regular phases.
He highlighted the challenge of intermittent road projects, with some roads deteriorating even after rehabilitation. To address this, the department assesses the condition of roads, taking into account climate resilience and other factors.
“So, you spend $50 million repairing some roads while other roads are deteriorating,” the minister told reporters at a recent press conference.
The strategic plan also includes policies, operating procedures and road design standards. He stressed the need to balance climate hazards and human behavior patterns.
He said department crews go to repair the road, but soon after the repair, “one of our friendly utility companies comes and digs up the road … and then once it’s dug up, you see the deterioration of the road.”
To address this issue, the minister explained that the department will install new water pipes to ensure that roads are not disturbed while they are being constructed, probably within the next 10 to 15 years, which is the lifespan of these constructed roads.
The issue is a top priority for the department, and local authorities are expected to weigh in at an International Road Federation meeting in Puerto Rico next month.
He stressed that the department is seriously concerned about this matter, “We are beginning to pay attention to this matter and hope to gain support from the international community.”
He revealed that the local team may attend the International Road Federation meeting in Puerto Rico next month.
“If everything goes well, engineers, road builders and people doing structural engineering will come together to discuss new technology and proper road construction,” he said.
[ad_2]
Source link
