The opening of the temporary bypass bridge in Anse La Raye on Monday, March 31, marks a significant turning point in the Millennium Highway and West Coast Reconstruction Road Project, enabling the start of demolition work on the ageing existing bridge and paving the way for construction of a modern, climate-resilient structure.
The bypass bridge is more than just a detour – it signals significant progress on the project’s Lot 2B, which is currently 30% complete under contractor O.B. Sadoo Engineering Services Limited. This section forms a critical link in the comprehensive US$43.3 million transportation corridor upgrade spanning from the Millennium Highway to Soufrière.
The new permanent bridge, once completed, will be a major improvement. It will have:
- Two lanes for vehicles to improve traffic flow
- Dedicated pedestrian walkways for safety
- Utility ducts for essential services
Stronger structural resilience to withstand extreme weather
These improvements support both the transportation network and tourism sector by providing reliable access to coastal communities.
“This phase transitions us from preparatory work to actual construction of the new Anse La Raye Bridge, which will be a major improvement over the previous structure,” said Amos Hippolyte, Coordinator of the MHWCRRP Project Management Unit. “The new two-lane reinforced concrete girder bridge will significantly enhance safety, resilience, and economic connectivity for communities along Saint Lucia’s west coast.”
To ensure smooth flow and minimize disruptions during this transition, traffic management personnel have been deployed at both ends of the bypass bridge and clear signage is in place to guide both motorists and pedestrians. A dedicated pedestrian pathway ensures continued safe access for those on foot.
Mr. Hippolyte confirmed that the bridge work meets the Caribbean Development Bank’s environmental and social performance standards, with measures in place to minimize disruption to local communities and businesses while maximizing long-term sustainability benefits.
The Anse La Raye Bridge component highlights the MHWCRRP’s broader goals of enhancing climate resilience along the entire west coast corridor—a critical economic artery connecting Castries with tourism-dependent communities and farming and fishing villages to the south.
Marvin Williams, O.B Sadoo Project Manager, emphasized the importance of this phase: “The temporary bypass bridge includes key engineering considerations to safely accommodate both regular traffic and construction vehicles needed for the demolition phase. We are proud to deliver this vital infrastructure to the Anse La Raye Community.”
To ensure community concerns are heard and addressed, the MHWCRRP has established its Grievance Redress Mechanism. This allows residents and stakeholders to raise any issues as the project moves forward.
The Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project is funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), through a grant from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and loan financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), with co-financing from the Government of Saint Lucia.
This US$43.3 million initiative aims to upgrade critical transportation infrastructure while enhancing resilience, inclusion and accessibility. Implemented by the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport (DIPT), the project focuses on increased efficiency, improved road safety, and the development of socially inclusive infrastructure that serves all Saint Lucians and visitors.