Residents and motorists utilizing Highway One through Jamestown should prepare for significant nighttime travel disruptions commencing immediately, as engineers initiate critical underground utility operations for the Royalton Vessence Barbados resort development. The comprehensive project, detailed by Neomie Tavernier of Gillespie and Steel Associates Ltd during a Trents Community Centre briefing, involves constructing a subterranean utility tunnel to connect the resort’s main property to a sewage treatment plant situated on Lot 56, directly across the highway.
The intricate installation will impact multiple essential services currently traversing the roadway, including water mains, gas pipelines, and fibre optic telecommunications cables. Project planners have implemented a systematic east-to-west construction approach with established detour routes to manage traffic flow. During initial phases, an expanded work zone will temporarily obstruct the primary entrance to Jamestown Park, though single-lane northbound traffic will be maintained with alternative access routes via Lot 56.
Construction activities are strategically scheduled during overnight hours from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM to minimize daytime congestion, with work commencing Tuesday evening. The project timeline anticipates completion by January 20, with roadways fully reopened during non-working hours. Utility interruptions will occur sequentially: gas services will experience early morning shutdowns on Wednesday, followed by Barbados Water Authority (BWA) interruptions from Sunday evening through Monday at 5:00 AM. Flow telecommunications work involving fibre optic cables is scheduled for the subsequent week, primarily affecting sidewalk areas with minimal road impact.
Project officials emphasize that advanced notifications will be provided for all scheduled service interruptions, with particular consideration given to minimizing disruptions for local hotels and restaurants. The technical team confirms that all roadways will be fully restored and operational upon project completion.