PM Rowley Turns Sod for Valencia to Toco Upgrade

Prime Minister Dr the Hon. Keith Rowley said for too long the development of the Eastern region of the country has been neglected. An economic analysis of the area revealed that the region is at the bottom of the economic pyramid because of a lack of infrastructure.

Dr Rowley was speaking at the sod turning for the project today (27.03.19) when he made the comment. He said the road infrastructure upgrade will create jobs and is expected to boost economic growth in several sectors including tourism, transportation, marine activity and energy as the connectivity between all the Eastern communities are improved.

A selective tendering process was implemented allowing for multiple local contractors to place their bids with a focus on the contractors’ ability to successfully implement the works using local resources as well as their willingness to provide employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, that include residents from the nearby communities.

Project Background

The Valencia to Toco Road Upgrade project runs along Valencia Main Road from Valencia Junction to Toco Main Road and will be completed in 24 months covering a distance of 12.4 km.

It will facilitate greater connectivity between Matura, Salybia, Rampanalgas, Cumana, Sans Souci, Grande Riviere, Paria and Matelot.

The project is part of Government’s larger vision to stimulate new industrial, residential and commercial development in the entire North East region of Trinidad.

The Valencia Main Road was identified as a key segment in the road network linking the village of Valencia to the proposed Toco Highway and the Churchill Roosevelt Highway Extension to Manzanilla Highway via Ojoe Road connector to allow for greater connectivity and increasing capacity.

All of the upgrade works will be carried out by the PURE Unit, Ministry of Works and Transport, and includes: all engineering designs, construction supervision and project management services in house providing significant cost savings.

OFFICIAL NAME OF PROJECT:

Construction of Valencia to Toco Road: Packages 1 to 8

PROJECT START DATE:

February 2019

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE:

Proposed: August 2020

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY:

Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE)

LOCATION OF PROJECT:

Valencia Junction to Toco Main Road

The project benefits:

· Improved accessibility- reduced travel time

· Increased potential for economic activity in general and local tourism

· Expansion of cottage industries

· Provision of a smooth riding surface

· Improved drainage system

· Improved sight distances

PURE’s scope of works for the Upgrade of Valencia Main Road is to be undertaken in 2 phases, namely:

• Phase I- 0 to 6 km

• Phase II- 6 km to 12 km

Phase 1 is separated into 4 packages which consist of:

The construction of a roundabout at Valencia Junction along with associated concrete and drainage works; Improvement of drainage network North of Valencia Junction

Milling and paving from the Intersection of Eastern Main Road and Toco Main Road to the 2km mark along the Toco Main Road; Construction of a car park inclusive of a perimeter fence and relocation of the vegetable stall

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage works from the 2km mark to the 3.5km mark

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage works from the 3.5km mark to the 5.0km mark inclusive of slope stabilization at 4.2km mark

Phase 2 is also separated into 4 packages which consist of:

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage and concrete works from the 5km mark to the 6.5km mark along the Valencia Main Road; Construction of a roundabout at Chainage 5+950 to facilitate a controlled intersection in anticipation of the forthcoming Ojoe Connector Road

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage and concrete works from the 6.5km mark to the 8km mark inclusive of slope stabilization at 6.6km mark

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage works from the 8km mark to the 10km mark

Road widening and reconstruction along with associated drainage works from the 10km mark to the 12.4km.