WESTERN BUREAU — Construction and realignment work on the John’s Hall main road in St James is to begin early next month, 11 years after movement in the road was reportedly first observed.

The National Works Agency (NWA), which will be overseeing the project, has already sent out and received tenders for the work.

“We have received tenders and later this month we will be opening these with a view to awarding a contract either later this month or early next month,” Stephen Shaw, the agency’s public relations officer for the western region, told the Observer Friday.

He added: “As soon as we open the tenders and a decision is arrived at, very soon thereafter (work will begin), as early as next month.”

The nature of works to be undertaken on the road, which has seen some slippage over the years, will include the construction of:

* two reinforced box culverts;

* parapet wingwalls, base and deck slabs, vertical walls and sidewalks with bridge guard rails and posts;

* asphaltic concrete surfacing of the bridge deck; and

* river protective works.

Shaw would not shed any light on the projected cost of the project, but Donald Colomathi, the People’s National Party councillor for the area, said his “understanding” was that the project would cost about $30 million. He said that $12 million of that amount had been earmarked for preliminary works.

The councillor added that after years of watching the road deteriorate, realignment work was welcome.

“That movement has been taking place from about 1991. Over time the technical people and the (St James Parish) Council have been observing and doing some soil tests. From our observation there was no area of stability…,” Colomathi said.

“The fact is that we are very much concerned because the road continues to deteriorate. (And so) the sooner (work begins) the better because we are anxious.

“Higher up at Spring Mount, work is taking place and what we are hoping for is that by the time there (at Spring Mount) would have been completed, work would have started (at John’s Hall).”

One Resident echoed Colomathi’s view.

“Basically, de road stay bad. The land itself de slip but we always know it coulda fix,” said the resident who requested anonymity.

“The way it stay yah now is a single-lane thing fi big unit like a van. They need fi fix it because in time to come, it might cause accident.”

The resident added that arguments had already developed between motorists using the road and that any repair work done would be a relief.