Residents and commuters along the East Coast Demerara corridor have welcomed the ongoing expansion of the US$192 million roadway, describing the project as a major step towards easing traffic congestion and improving daily travel.
The large-scale infrastructure project stretches along one of the busiest road networks, is already beginning to deliver benefits as significant sections near completion.
Among those pleased with the progress is Wayne Gittens, who recently returned from the interior and was surprised by the pace of development.
“I go in the interior and come back and see they doing a good job with the road and I don’t have no complaints because they doing a good job,” he said.
Gittens added that the wider roadway would help improve traffic flow.
“Open up the road broader so the traffic can flow easier,” he noted.
Vendor and resident Patsy Benn also expressed satisfaction with the works.
Benn, who recently benefited from the commissioning of the Plaisance Market tarmac, said she is optimistic about the opportunities the upgraded roadway will bring.
“I am really happy for it to finish. I am really happy and I am working on my business to expand it a little more, get some more things going,” she said.
For commuter Trevon Williams, the expansion is expected to significantly improve transportation along the East Coast.
“It is going to be a 10 out of 10 because the road is wider. It will be a free flow of traffic coming from and going to. I definitely think it will be a plus for the East Coast, especially Plaisance,” he said.
Road users are already experiencing some of the benefits, with final paving works completed and fully visible from Sheriff Street to the Ogle Roundabout, as well as from Belfield to Orange Nassau.
Meanwhile, intensive paving operations continue along the critical stretch between Vryheid’s Lust and Orange Nassau.
To accelerate construction, contractor China Railway First Group Co. Limited has adopted a segmented approach, allowing work to proceed simultaneously across multiple sections of the corridor.
Once completed, the project is expected to transform transportation along the East Coast, providing a more efficient and safer route for residents, businesses and commuters.