Ministry Updates On Swing Bridge Project
The Ministry of Public Works & Environment provided an update on the upcoming phases of the Swing Bridge Road Realignment Project as construction continues in the St. George’s and St. David’s area.
A Government spokesperson said, “Road realignment works commenced in late May with the construction of the temporary bus turnaround within Kindley Field Park. This work represents the first stage of a phased traffic management strategy designed to maintain access to St. David’s and St. George’s while construction of the new Swing Bridge progresses.
“As work advances, the project will move through two major traffic milestones over the coming months, introducing new temporary road layouts that will remain in place during bridge construction.
Phase II – Waller’s Point Road Mini-Roundabout
“Construction of a temporary mini-roundabout at Waller’s Point Road began this month. The roundabout is being constructed to facilitate the next stage of the road realignment and will eventually reroute public traffic between St. David’s Road and Southside Road.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasise that although construction of the mini-roundabout will begin in July, the new traffic arrangement will not take effect until St. David’s Road is closed during a later stage of the project. Until then, the current traffic arrangements will remain in place.
“Once implemented, all public traffic travelling to and from St. David’s will enter and exit via Kindley Field Park.
“At that time, the section of St. David’s Road extending from the western end of the Marginal Wharf gate to the Gate #1 staging area will become a dedicated construction haul route for project vehicles transporting materials between Marginal Wharf and the bridge construction site.
“Public access along this section of roadway will no longer be permitted, with the exception of access to the Stokes Point Bridge Marina.
“These changes are designed to safely separate construction traffic from public traffic while maintaining access to St. David’s throughout the bridge construction programme.
Phase III – Gate #1 Mini-Roundabout
“Construction will then progress into August and September with the development of a second temporary mini-roundabout at Gate #1.
“This phase will include:
- “Construction of the temporary mini-roundabout at the existing Swing Bridge approach.
- “Temporary rerouting of traffic through the existing bus lane at Gate #1.
- “Relocation of the temporary bus stop to the wall adjacent to Gate #1.
- “Closure of the affected section of St. David’s Road to facilitate bridge construction activities.
- “Integration of both temporary mini-roundabouts with the new bus turnaround within Kindley Field Park.
“By the end of September, the Ministry expects both temporary mini-roundabouts and the bus turnaround to be fully operational, creating the temporary road network that will support traffic movement throughout the main Swing Bridge construction period.”
A Ministry spokesperson said: “The road realignment project has been carefully phased to minimise disruption while maintaining safe and reliable access for the travelling public throughout construction. As we move into the next stages of the project, motorists will begin to see additional infrastructure taking shape ahead of future traffic changes.
“Importantly, many of these elements will be constructed before they become operational, allowing the Ministry to complete the work safely before introducing new traffic arrangements. We recognise that these changes will require residents, commuters and businesses to adjust familiar travel routes.
“Our commitment is to communicate each change well in advance, providing clear information, maps, videos and practical guidance before new traffic arrangements are introduced.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry will continue to implement its phased public information campaign, ensuring that residents, businesses, commuters and public transport users receive advance notice before each stage of the project becomes operational.
‘Upcoming communications will include updated traffic maps, route diagrams, explanatory videos, public transport information, and traffic advisories to help motorists prepare for each transition. Until further notice, the current traffic arrangements remain in effect.
“Members of the public are encouraged to follow the Ministry’s official communication channels and @swingbridgebda on Instagram for the latest project updates and traffic information.”
St. David’s…digging up, knocking down, turning around for bridge, road works. Now the monstrosity on Mount Hill, adjacent to former Mount Area. Our beautiful views are going slowly and for those who do not have a care in the world about East End of Bermuda, St. David’s, come on down and have a look see what this Government is doing and will continue to do until open spaces are no longer. Homes to be built on field near men,s quarters. A beautiful playground could have gone there. The Clearwater Middle School is being allowed to deteriate…. why…go fish!!! Supermarket was supposed to be coming back…could this be the place. People are speaking about Trade School there in line with Cedarbridge….probably not in PLP,s non.vision booklet. Rather then repair main road near Police Station and industrial area, close the road..easy innuh(?). The tower is an insult to St. David’s people in many ways and PLP Rep. In Con 3, you should be nervous re election but then again, maybe not because you and your party are going to do what you want not what is best for Constituents. Put towers up in other Constituencies or propose, to do so. Was there any thought re how much radiation will be filtered in not part of St. George,s? Be prepared for bill for any and all health matters for our families, if your party gets re-elected. My family will not be voting for PLP, now or ever again.
That explanation makes it sound like reinstating the Tiger Bay Bridge would be simpler.