Ads by Google Ads by Google

DPW optimistic McConnell Dowell 3-R project will be finished before end of year

There is no doubt the local public highway system is better now than it has been for the past decade, thanks to the progress of the 3-R (restoration, rehabilitation and resurfacing) project which was awarded to McConnell Dowell and is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) to the tune of $7,185,907.24

 

The Department of Public Works is optimistic that — weather permitting — work on the 12 sites on the list for repairs under the federally funded 3-R program will be fully completed by December 6 this year.

 

In response to inquiries from Samoa News yesterday, Reuben Siatu'u of the Civil Highway Division of the Department of Public Works said that although 10 of the 12 sites have been resurfaced, "We will revisit each site to address drainage erosion and unforeseen site conditions that may have developed."

 

He said that of the 12 sites, 10 have been resurfaced for a total length of approximately 5.3 miles. The ten sites are:

 

            ⁃            Canco Hill to Lupelele

 

            ⁃            Vaitogi village Road

 

            ⁃            Ottoville to the Kokoland intersection

 

            ⁃            Pava'ia'i to Aoloau Road

 

            ⁃            Sectional Pavement repairs to Fagaima Road

 

            ⁃            Sectional Pavement repairs to Fogagogo Village

 

            ⁃            Sectional Pavement repairs to Futiga Village

 

            ⁃            Sectional Pavement repairs along the Industrial Park Road

 

            ⁃            Hospital Road

 

            ⁃            Laulii to Visa Stream

 

The two remaining sites left to be addressed include the stretch between Faga'itua and Alofau, and the pavement/pothole repairs along the 1.3-mile section from Lupelele Elementary to the Tradewinds intersection.

 

For the Faga'itua to Alofau area, the base course will be laid and the surface is being prepped as resurfacing is set to start as early as tomorrow.

 

Siatu'u reports that there are plans in the works to address drainage issues near the Tradewinds Hotel and the Iliili area. He explained that the work will consist of constructing four soakage pits at specific locations, in addition to rehabilitating existing waterways.

 

"DPW greatly appreciates the patience of the traveling public and the respective villages. And as always, use caution when entering a construction site," Siatu'u said. He concluded, "We hope to complete the resurfacing part of the project by the end of August, and we should be able to complete the drainage structures planned for the Tualauta area. Thus, we are on target to finish on time."