Video: Minister Burch On Road Improvements
“We are fully committed to continuing to address the dreadful state of our roads,” Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said as he provided an update on the Government’s efforts to improve Bermuda’s roads.
Speaking at a press conference today, Minister Lt/Col David Burch said, “Good afternoon. As we begin a new year, this is an opportune time to discuss the state of the Islands roadways, our ongoing plans to address them and the wider roadway activities.
“I will begin with the Ministry’s current paving projects. However, let me first say that I am well aware of the state of our roads as a daily user of them and a regular receiver of public complaints. I too am quite weary of the work that is being carried out and the time it is taking.
“Let me remind the public, though, that notice was first given back in 2021, when Belco began their $250 million underground cabling exercise. Since that time, we have had COVID-19, followed by supply chain delays in the delivery of piping and other supplies, that have added to the delays.
“So where are we now – asphalt paving has occurred along Harrington Sound Road to Flatts and the southern lane from Flatts to Store Hill. The northern lane is delayed while we await some underground cable laying by one of the utilities. Once that is done – the northern lane will be paved.
“Paving commenced on Middle Road in Warwick at the substation last month heading west to Warwick Pond. This area has previously seen pull holes dug and cables pulled – so that both lanes could be paved.
“Concurrently, Belco has recommenced their joint hole and cable pulling works on Middle Road, Warwick and we anticipate them to reach Camp Hill junction by late February/early March 2025. From Camp Hill, they will then proceed down Middle Road to Lighthouse Road aiming to complete the Joint Hole work by late March early April.
“Presently, the Government team is paving from Scaur Hill to Somerset Bridge. This will include the full reinstatement of the use of Somerset Road where the wall has been replaced. We anticipate continuing on this route through February. After which the Government team will then move to George’s Bay Road and pave to Evans Bay – paving both lanes. This work is scheduled to conclude in March 2025.
“To assist the Ministry in accelerating paving efforts, East End Asphalt Ltd. has been retained to pave the following areas in February and March 2025:
- “A portion of Loyal Hill in Devonshire; and
- “Flora Duffy Lane from Cavendish Road to Crow Lane junction in Devonshire
“There is presently $1,000,000 in this year’s budget for contracting work to East End Asphalt – so more private road paving will be carried out before year-end. I now quickly move to the Ministry works for improving the safety of our roadways.
“I am pleased to say that patching works have been expedited utilizing weekend crews when the need has arisen. As soon as potholes are reported to our Highways section at potholes@gov.bm, we immediately action them and will continue to do so.
“I am also pleased to announce that Brighton Hill between Middle Road and Watlington Lane East in Devonshire will be closed on February 13th and 14th for the installation of speed bumps, additional signs and re-striping work. Additionally, Church Road in Southampton will be assessed for the installation of speed bumps by spring of 2025.
“Turning to the junction at Marsh Folly and St. John’s Road in Pembroke, the control panel for the traffic lights is currently being manufactured by our overseas vendor. A similar situation exists for the Traffic lights on Crow Lane, the needed parts are being manufactured. We anticipate the arrival of the units on island by summer 2025.
“With regard to roadside fencing, as the public may have seen fencing crews are steadily progressing with repairing of the wooden fences along North Shore Road from Barker’s Hill through to Flatt’s Village and will continue to do so throughout the month of February.
“Additionally, the Cabinet has just approved the purchase of new Aluminum Highway Guardrails similar to the ones found around John Smiths Bay and Happy Valley Road. These guardrails are used to protect road users from hazards, dangerous situations and areas. The areas identified for guardrail installation are high risk locations at Shark Hole bend, Harrington Sound, Hamilton Parish and Barker’s Hill, Devonshire near the existing roundabout. The Ministry is awaiting the delivery of these new assets from the manufacturer.
“I am happy to advise that the Ministry has hired an additional 14 new Solo sweepers, bringing the total to 21 to work in conjunction with the Ministry’s highways crew. These individuals have provided great improvements throughout the island in clearing vegetation along our roadways, rock cliffs and sidewalk areas.
“Pedestrian safety is also a priority for this Government. Our yearly order of flashing crosswalk beacons arrived last week; installation will commence immediately with the replacement of the Aquarium flashing beacons. They will be replaced with a standard continuous green light with an activation red light for pedestrians to cross. This unit will also have advanced yellow flashing beacons installed, similar to the ones currently at the railway trail crossing at Harmony Club in Paget.
“I have been the first to admit that the Government’s physical assets are aging and are not up to par. The unreliability of these machines – the Asphalt plant and Asphalt Miller in particular – cause the asphalt teams to slow their production and delivery.
“So, what is the status of the New Asphalt Plant and associated equipment? We have a multimillion-dollar agreement with Astec Industries – a leading provider of asphalt plants and paving equipment in the United States – to provide a new plant, a new screening plant, replacement asphalting paving equipment and maintenance support to the Government.
“I can advise that the new road paving equipment has been manufactured and pre-delivery inspections are on-going. Three pieces of paving equipment have been purchased, a new asphalt paver, a new milling machine and a shuttle buggy material transfer vehicle. They are currently in Chattanooga, Tennessee waiting delivery to Bermuda. The shipping arrangements are ongoing and based on the expected time estimates the equipment should arrive in Bermuda by April.
“The new aggregate screening plant has been manufactured and ready for pre-delivery inspection. The plant consists of a hopper feeder unit two screening units and eight conveyor units. Two complete conveyor units arrived in Bermuda in December 2024 and are being stored under cover at the Quarry. The remaining equipment is ready to ship, and it is currently being stored in South Dakota waiting delivery to Bermuda.
“The shipping arrangements are ongoing as well as the Asphalt Plant Site Works contract and based on the expected time estimates the site should be ready to receive the equipment in Bermuda by October 2025.
“Additionally, the new asphalt plant has been manufactured and is ready for pre-delivery inspections. The plant consists of the hoppers, silos, aggregate bins, control equipment, burners and tanks in order to produce high quality asphalt.
“The majority of this equipment is being stored in Chattanooga, Tennessee waiting delivery to Bermuda. There are ten 40-foot containers still to be shipped directly from India to Bermuda to complete the list of ordered items.
“The shipping arrangements are ongoing and based on the expected time estimates the equipment should begin to arrive in Bermuda in June 2025 and installed directly on their foundations.
“The current estimated Asphalt Plant Hand overdate is January 2026 but as with all construction projects, unforeseen circumstances may occur which can cause this date to be pushed back. However again, I am sure the Ministry will keep the general public informed.
“I hope this update provides all with a clear understanding of the current situation and the plan going forward. We are fully committed to continuing to address the dreadful state of our roads.
“Let me end where I began, by thanking all road users for their patience and understanding. We will continue our efforts to advance the paving of our roads. Thank you.”
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Who is responsible for letting them get as bad as they are. Hmmmm
How can this ClownArmy expect to be re-elected in the upcoming election? They can’t even pave roads, let alone pay pensions, support healthcare, drive the economy… how can one blame Covid five years later for the abysmal state of the infrastructure?
Jan 2026 for the replacement asphalt plant and expectations that it will not be ready then. What incompetence
Fortunately Burch will be gone next and a new Public Works Minister will take over, before we have another Bermudiana Beach fiasco.
Odd that the delay was not mentioned in the PLP election fluff. Why not contract with East End Asphalt, and any other proven private companies, to repave the roads? Deduct the cost from the W & E Budget so taxpayers don’t pay any more. The work will be done quicker and cheaper. Simple and sensible, so the PLP will never do it. They will always pick the expensive and slow way.
Maintaining the roads is a basic fundamental requirement of the government. The fact that the PLP has been so lousy at this is eblematic of their abject failure. There is absolutely no excuse.
Not only is this damaging cars, it is causing accidents. It’s pathetic.
“Not only is this damaging cars, it is causing accidents. It’s pathetic.”
It is more than pathetic, it is deadly. Look at what happened to one road traffic victim
It is a shame that those responsible for her death cannot be held accountable and sued.
Another week and Burch will be out the door and on his way to some other island, just like some other PLP MPs.
A new Minister will be put in charge of W&E. First answer from the new Minister will be “It wasn’t Me”.
Corkscrew Hill is TERRIBLE. Elsewhere, even the speedbumps have potholes. There needs to be a new sheriff in town.