The Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project (MHWCRRP) has reported sub-stantial progress across all construction zones for the first quarter of 2025, while simultaneously launching the final phase of work on the Millennium Highway section with improvements to the La Toc Roundabout.
The US$43.3 million infrastructure initiative has maintained steady momentum toward completing the rehabilitation of the West Coast Road, with several key milestones achieved since January.
“The start of 2025 has seen encouraging progress on all construction fronts,” said Amos Hippolyte, Pro-ject Coordinator for the MHWCRRP. “While challenges are inevitable in a project of this scale, the con-tractors have maintained focus on critical path activities, allowing us to advance toward our completion targets while minimizing disruption to communities along the West Coast Road corridor.”
C.O. Williams Construction Ltd. is approaching substantial completion of the works on Lot 1 (Millenni-um Highway to Cul De Sac), with recent progress including the installation of most road signage, com-mencement of bus shelter construction, and installation of guardrails at critical points along the route. As of Monday, April 7, 2025, C.O. Williams is focusing efforts on the La Toc Roundabout, one of the final components of the Millennium Highway reconstruction.
The roundabout improvements, scheduled to continue for approximately two months, will enhance safety features, improve traffic flow efficiency, and increase the durability of this key intersection.
“The La Toc Roundabout is a critical junction in our road network, particularly for commuters between Castries and the south of the island,” Amos Hippolyte noted. “While we recognise the OUR VISION: To be the flagship Department, critical to achieving infrastructural and national development temporary inconvenience, these final improvements are essential to complete the Millennium Highway segment to modern standards.”
Motorists are strongly encouraged to utilize alternative routes during the La Toc roundabout construc-tion phase. For those who must traverse the area, traffic management measures will be implemented, including barriers and cones to demarcate construction zones, pedestrian access signs, and temporary road works signs. Disturbed road areas will be regularly graded to maintain acceptable riding comfort.
After experiencing some delays in late 2024, Namalco Construction Services Ltd has regained valuable momentum on Lots 2A/3A/3B (Cul De Sac to Soufrière Bridge). Notable achievements since January include 5.5 kilometres of asphalt paving beyond the Anse La Raye Bridge, substantial completion of road embankment construction between Rubis and Commercial Supplies in Cul de Sac, and completion of four drainage structures in Cul De Sac and Ti Colon. These improvements directly address longstand-ing vulnerabilities along sections of the corridor that have repeatedly suffered damage from flooding and landslides during heavy rainfall events.
Another significant milestone was the recent activation of the temporary bypass bridge at Anse La Raye by O.B. Sadoo Engineering Services Limited, which marks the commencement of works on the demoli-tion and reconstruction of the old bridge. The bypass, having successfully passed its test loading and observation phase, now accommodates both regular traffic and construction vehicles, though motorists operating larger vehicles are advised to exercise caution when navigating the temporary route.
The Project Implementation Unit continues to engage with communities along the corridor through regular meetings and its Grievance Redress Mechanism. Complaints and inquiries regarding the La Toc Roundabout construction can be directed to C.O. Williams Construction Ltd. via WhatsApp at 1-758-716-0439 or by email at complaints@cowstlucia.com.