Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with a comprehensive update on the Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s road paving programme, and to advise of a necessary adjustment to our sequencing as we advance critical infrastructure works across the island.

Mr. Speaker, this Government has been clear that improving the condition of our roads remains a national priority. Our road network is essential to daily life in Bermuda. It supports our residents travelling to work and school, our businesses moving goods and services, and our visitors experiencing all that our island has to offer. We have continued our road paving programmes across the island with works at Orange Valley Road in Devonshire, Middle Road in Smith’s & North Shore Road near Flatts being recently completed.

However, responsible governance requires not only planning, but adaptability.

We are extremely proud to say that the Request for Proposals for the replacement Swing Bridge will soon be released in the impending weeks. As such, it has become necessary to strategically redeploy our paving teams to make preparation for this project. This decision is grounded in sound project management. Major infrastructure works of this scale require careful coordination so that supporting road networks, staging areas, and traffic routes are properly prepared in advance.

Accordingly, works will be scheduled for the Swing Bridge detour routes via Number One Gate, Kindley Field Park, St. David’s Road, Wallast Point Road and the Southside Road area. These preparatory works are essential to accommodate heavy equipment, facilitate construction staging, support traffic diversions, and safeguard public safety once bridge construction begins. By acting now, we will reduce the risk of delays and ensure that the bridge project proceeds in an orderly and efficient manner.

Mr. Speaker, before those works commence, community consultation will take place to ensure residents and stakeholders are informed and afforded the opportunity to provide feedback. We recognize that roadworks affect daily routines, and we are committed to engaging openly and providing timely communication so that the public is aware of what to expect.

In the interim Mr. Speaker, paving currently underway in the Flatts Village area near the Aquarium will be completed to minimize disruption and maintain continuity for residents and businesses. Upon completion in Flatts, the team will undertake full resurfacing of Spanish Point Road, a heavily trafficked corridor whose condition warrants comprehensive attention to ensure a uniform and durable finish.

Thereafter, crews will transition to Kindley Field Park to begin the necessary preparation works in direct support of the Swing Bridge project. This proactive sequencing ensures that once the bridge contract is awarded, construction can advance without avoidable setbacks related to site readiness.

Following this phase, works will move west to Southampton, paving along Middle Road beginning at Lighthouse Road and extending eastward to Longford Road in Warwick. At this time, the BELCO trenching work will have reached the railway trail and will no longer interrupt traffic. This stretch of roadway is a critical corridor serving residents, commuters, public transportation, and the tourism sector. Improving this route will materially enhance driving conditions and safety in the western parishes.

Finally, the programme will conclude with the completion of Palmetto Road, one of Bermuda’s the heavily used roads. Addressing its full resurfacing aligns with our strategy of targeting high traffic area that have experienced sustained wear and deterioration.

Mr. Speaker, this updated sequencing reflects prudent planning and careful coordination between routine road improvements and a major capital project of national importance. The people of Bermuda expect safer, smoother roads. They expect infrastructure projects to be managed efficiently and delivered responsibly. And they expect transparency about our plans and progress.

This Government remains committed to meeting those expectations and to laying a strong and sustainable foundation for Bermuda’s future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.