🚧 Delayed airport connector road phase 1 set to open

The long-delayed Phase 1 of the Airport Connector Road (ACR) is finally set to open on Friday. The National Roads Authority made the announcement, revealing that the first stretch of the road extends from the Esterley Tibbetts Highway to the Water Authority Sewage Treatment Plant. The road's construction, handled by Dart, has been a drawn-out process since the original contract was awarded in February 2020. 🚧

While the exact reasons for the delay have never been fully clarified, officials have hinted at issues related to finding contractors for culvert work. However, by July 2022, the ministry stated that these issues had been resolved and the project was back on track. The road, which crosses a wetland area, has been a costly venture, with millions spent on fill in addition to the $800,000 contract awarded to Dart. 🏗️

Upon completion, the four-lane road will link the Owen Roberts International Airport and the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, aiming to reduce traffic in George Town. The first phase, however, will provide limited traffic relief, with internal roads offering access to North Sound Road and the Sparky Drive intersection. The road, officially named the Jay Bodden Highway, will open to traffic at noon on Friday following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 am. Drivers are urged to use caution and observe signage as they familiarize themselves with the new route. 🚦