Motorists using the Millennium Highway will not be required to detour as authorities move ahead with the replacement of a deteriorating culvert along the busy transport corridor, using a phased construction method designed to maintain continuous traffic flow.
The project forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise and safeguard critical road infrastructure and will be executed by contractor NAMALCO, which is also overseeing the West Coast Highway Project.
Officials say the intervention is urgent, as assessments have identified the existing culvert as structurally compromised and at risk of failure if left unattended.
Project Coordinator for the Millennium Highway Reconstruction Project, Amos Hippolyte, said engineering evaluations made it clear that immediate action was required to avoid serious consequences.
“Engineering assessments confirm that the culvert is at risk of imminent failure,” Hippolyte explained. “A collapse would likely result in road closure, major traffic disruption, flooding, environmental damage and significant risks to public safety. This replacement is a proactive measure to prevent that outcome.”
To minimise inconvenience to road users, the construction will be carried out in clearly defined stages, supported by a comprehensive traffic management plan. NAMALCO’s Construction Manager, Kevin George, said motorists will be guided safely through the work zone with appropriate signage and controls.
“Traffic signs will be installed along the road to alert the public. These will include notices for roadworks ahead, give way signs, reduce speed, caution, heavy vehicles ahead and no overtaking,” he stated.
He explained that traffic will be temporarily diverted onto a newly constructed section of roadway to allow work on the culvert to proceed without interrupting vehicle movement.
“Six precast sections will be installed on the left side shoulder upstream. Two-lane traffic, with a width of 7.2 meters, will be shifted temporarily onto the new culvert extension. This will allow construction to take place within the carriageway without disrupting traffic,” he said.
Phase one of the project is scheduled to run from January 12 to January 20, 2026, followed by phase two from January 21 to January 29, 2026. Additional components of the project, including the construction of inlet and outlet structures, will continue after these phases are completed.
The Construction Manager assured motorists that these follow-up works will also be carefully managed to avoid inconvenience to them.
“Other works, including construction of the inlet and outlet structures, will continue subsequently. These activities will be undertaken in a way that will not result in disruption to the public,” he said.
Authorities are advising motorists to remain alert, obey posted signs and adhere to reduced speed limits while travelling through the construction area. Officials emphasised that the project is essential to ensuring the long-term resilience, safety and reliability of the Millennium Highway, which serves as a key artery for daily commuters and commercial traffic.