According to the Roads Authority, the existing cross culvert beneath the road surface has collapsed, seriously disrupting water drainage. As a result, the surrounding area has been flooded and part of the road surface has subsided.
The situation poses a significant risk to road safety. This is a straight stretch of road where motorists generally drive at relatively high speeds. The Roads Authority therefore considers intervention necessary to prevent further subsidence and possible traffic accidents.
Restoration of water drainage necessary
The repair work focuses not only on the damaged road surface, but also on restoring water drainage. The cross culvert plays an important role in this.
Cross culverts are pipes installed beneath roads to channel excess water from one side to the other. At this location, water normally flows from the southern side to the northern side of the East-West Connection, after which it is discharged further towards the Saramacca River.
Due to the collapse of the existing culvert, the water could no longer drain away in the usual manner. With the repairs, the Roads Authority aims to restore proper drainage and prevent further damage to the road structure.
Road users urged to reduce speed
The work began on Thursday, 5 November, and according to the original schedule will take six calendar days. During this period, safety measures will be put in place to guide traffic past the work area as safely as possible.
The Roads Authority urges motorists and other road users to reduce their speed in good time when approaching the stretch of road concerned and to take possible traffic disruption into account.
In addition, they are urgently asked to strictly follow the instructions of the traffic controllers present.
With the work, the Roads Authority aims to restore road safety on this section of the East-West Connection while also providing a sustainable solution to the drainage problems.
