Elgin Avenue
The newly rebuilt Elgin Avenue is proving its value every time it's used. Opened in time for full occupancy of the new Government Office Administration Building (GOAB) and under the $2.2 million budget, the road includes features that widen the road, improve road usage, enhance public safety and ease traffic flow.
The road has been widened from two to three and four lanes in different locations to meet needs at specific spots. This upgrade has dissipated congestion and smoothed traffic flow.
A turning lane and a mini roundabout have been added at the intersection with Hospital Road, easing traffic movement in and out of that road.
Also, with Humber Avenue widened and given a dedicated turn lane, traffic to and from the GOAP parking lot has been improved considerably, explained National Roads Authority (NRA) Transportation Planner Marion Pandohie.
Sidewalks now provide a smooth, continuous pedestrian walkway along Elgin Avenue from Hospital Road to the Cayman National Bank roundabout, she noted.
More importantly, the road is designed to provide proper drainage and minimise customary flooding in the vicinity of Cricket Square during heavy rainfall. The area is marked into three draining basins and 34 dedicated drains have been installed, NRA Design Engineer Edison Jackson explained.
NRA used a 3-D design for the first time, enabling better planning of flood water run-off, he added. "F" type curbing with gutters, which ensures drainage wells are kept clear, was also used.
A raised pedestrian crossing, another special feature, is designed for better visibility, Mr. Jackson outlined. During the design process, attention was focused on the road's markings to ensure unambiguous transitions along the way, he noted.
NRA Managing Director Brian Tomlinson said, "The improvements are critical to help facilitate business in Central George Town. With so many government and commercial offices, as well as banking facilities in the vicinity, Elgin Avenue has always experienced heavy peak hour traffic."
"When fully occupied, the new GOAB will add to that flow, not only from occupiers of that building but also from public users. The new road improvements are geared specifically to ease that congestion," he explained. Minister of District Administration, Works, Land and Agriculture, the Hon. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly said, "I am delighted that the Elgin Avenue roads works were completed under budget and have improved traffic flow. I commend all who worked on the project for a job well done."
A Feather in Team's Cap
Recently promoted NRA Roads Construction Superintendent Ellington Forbes considers the building of the new Elgin Avenue a special accomplishment for the team that made it happen.
Mr. Forbes, 36, is modest about his role in ensuring the project's smooth, efficient completion, including the high safety standard that was maintained throughout the construction process.
Rising up the ranks in Public Works and later the NRA from labourer and bulldozer operator, then foreman and supervisor to his present position, this 21-year veteran knows the challenges involved in improving Cayman's increasingly busy roads.
Under the guidance of then Public Works Roads Superintendent Leighton Dixon, Mr. Forbes worked on the Linford Pierson and Esterley Tibbetts highways. He regards the Elgin Avenue construction as particularly challenging given the proximity to central George Town.
"It's been a team effort," he reiterates, acknowledging the efficient operation of the Elgin Avenue road works under Project Manager Peter Ogden.
(GIS)
For further information contact: Bina Mani