Ministry Making Progress On Repairing Roads
The Ministry of Public Works said they “continue to make progress in addressing concerns over the state of Bermuda’s roads,” and “successfully conducted repairs on Friday at the junction between Collector’s Hill and South Road in Smith’s.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works continues to make progress in addressing concerns over the state of Bermuda’s roads, particularly the potholes that have been problematic for residents and motorists alike.
“In a step towards remedying this issue, the Highways team successfully conducted repairs on Friday at the junction between Collector’s Hill and South Road in Smith’s, a spot notably plagued by numerous potholes and the subject of many complaints received through our dedicated email, potholes@gov.bm.
“However, it is important to note that the repairs made at the Collector’s Hill junction, shown in the attached images, serve as a temporary measure. A comprehensive road paving operation will have to commence to address these issues more permanently.
“The Ministry wishes to advise the public that, due to the recent and forecasted continuous rain across the Island until at least the middle of this week, there is a heightened risk that the newly repaired potholes may deteriorate.
“Rainfall presents a significant challenge to pothole repair efforts, as the Highways team cannot perform repairs under wet conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise additional caution when navigating the roads during this period.
“In light of these challenges, it is crucial for the community to understand that the resumption of pothole repairs across the Island will occur as soon as weather conditions permit.
“The Ministry is focused on improving the safety and integrity of Bermuda’s road infrastructure and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation.”
The Minister of Public Works David Burch has expressed his understanding and concern regarding the public’s frustration with the pothole issue, stating, “We are fully aware of the inconvenience and potential hazards posed by potholes, especially during this rainy season.
“Our teams are poised to continue their repair work as soon as the weather clears. Our overriding concern is your safety, and we thank you for your understanding as we navigate these challenges together.”
The Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works encourages residents to report any new pothole issues to potholes@gov.bm.”
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Roads need to be pulled up to their foundation. Cars and trucks are lot bigger and heavier today than when a lot of these roads were laid down, even 10-15 years ago. For years now they just pave right over the old stuff.
To save the planet, our roads must be upgraded to handle the extra weight of our electric buses and EVs. I seriously doubt anyone in Government is thinking forward on the required materials and work to construct stronger roads.
Using 140 miles of paved public roads, estimating 50% of main/major roads is 70 miles. Using $750,000 to $1,000,000 per mile today comes out as $52.5 to $70 MILLION! With inflation, when electric vehicles are mandated your children, grandchildren, and your grandchildren’s children will be sending their paychecks directly to Government.
Now, at what point in time will the Government decide to install steel guardrails? We already know that wooden guardrails cannot handle a gas-powered car. Why would even a government bureaucrat expect wood to stop a heavier EV? Add say another $4 TO $5 million for steel guardrails. EV batteries and salt water do not mix well so let’s get those steel guardrails in place as soon as possible.
Crash tests indicate nation’s guardrail system can’t handle heavy electric vehicles – AP January 31, 2024
Electric vehicles that typically weigh more than gasoline-powered cars can easily crash through steel highway guardrails that are not designed to withstand the extra force, raising concerns about the nation’s roadside safety system, according to crash test data released Wednesday by the University of Nebraska.
Electric vehicles typically weigh 20% to 50% more than gas-powered vehicles thanks to batteries that can weigh almost as much as a small gas-powered car. And they have lower centers of gravity. Because of these differences, guardrails can do little to stop electric vehicles from pushing through barriers typically made of steel.
(reminder: Bermuda’s speed limit is 25 mph vs America’s 55+ mph)