The Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project has reached a significant milestone with the opening of the temporary bypass bridge in Anse La Raye, enabling demolition work to begin on the aging existing bridge.
The bypass bridge signals concrete progress on the project’s Lot 2B section, which is currently 30 per cent complete under contractor O.B. Sadoo Engineering Services Limited. This critical link forms part of the comprehensive US$43.3 million transportation corridor upgrade spanning from the Millennium Highway to Soufrière.
“This phase transitions us from preparatory work to actual construction of the new Anse La Raye Bridge, which will be a major improvement over the previous structure,” said Coordinator of the MHWCRRP Project Management Unit Amos Hippolyte. “The new two-lane reinforced concrete girder bridge will significantly enhance safety, resilience, and economic connectivity for communities along Saint Lucia’s west coast.”
The permanent bridge, once completed, will feature two vehicle lanes for improved traffic flow, dedicated pedestrian walkways, utility ducts for essential services, and enhanced structural resilience to withstand extreme weather events.
Traffic management personnel have been deployed at both ends of the bypass bridge, with clear signage to guide motorists and pedestrians. A dedicated pedestrian pathway ensures continued safe access for those on foot.
O.B Sadoo Project Manager Marvin Williams said: “The temporary bypass bridge includes key engineering considerations to safely accommodate both regular traffic and construction vehicles needed for the demolition phase. We are proud to deliver this vital infrastructure to the Anse La Raye Community.”
The bridge work meets the Caribbean Development Bank’s environmental and social performance standards, with measures in place to minimise disruption to local communities and businesses while maximising long-term sustainability benefits.
Residents and stakeholders can raise any concerns through the project’s established Grievance Redress Mechanism as construction progresses.
The Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project is funded by the United
Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), through a grant from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and loan financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with co-financing from the Government of Saint Lucia.
