The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture recently facilitated a stakeholder engagement session with representatives of the Government of Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Transport, Physical Development and Urban Renewal (MIPTPDUR), and Beston Consulting Limited, the engineering consultants responsible for the design of the proposed Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway and Secondary Roads Improvement Project.
The virtual consultation formed part of a broader stakeholder engagement process aimed at gathering valuable input from the private sector and other road users to inform the ongoing conceptual and detailed design of the project extending from Choc Bridge to the Gros Islet Intersection.
During the discussion, participants highlighted several critical issues affecting businesses, commuters, and residents who utilize the highway daily. A major focus of the engagement was traffic flow and congestion along the corridor, particularly during peak hours. Stakeholders shared concerns regarding traffic bottlenecks, access to commercial establishments, and the need for improved traffic management solutions to support infrastructure improvements and economic activity while enhancing the commuter experience.
The proposed introduction of roundabouts at strategic locations generated significant discussion, with participants examining their potential to improve traffic circulation, reduce delays, and enhance road safety. Members also emphasized the importance of ensuring that any traffic management interventions are carefully designed to accommodate both commercial and public transportation needs.
Pedestrian safety emerged as another key priority during the consultation. The Meeting was advised to enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, including the installation of pedestrian overpasses (walkovers), improved crossings, sidewalks, and better public illumination. Participants noted that the highway serves not only motorists but also students, workers, and community residents who regularly cross the roadway, often under challenging and potentially unsafe conditions.
The Consultants also pointed out that the designs included drainage measures, accessibility for persons with disabilities, accommodation for public transportation stops, roadside economic activity, and the overall resilience of the road network to climate-related events. Stakeholders welcomed those developments.
The Consultants encouraged the private sector to critically consider the impact of the project and the proposed designs on their businesses and share those with them, as the intention was to improve the usefulness and contribution of this piece of infrastructure to both citizens and businesses.
The Chamber welcomed the opportunity for members to engage directly with the consultants and requested that information be shared with them so they could make the plans available to members of the wider business community. It was suggested that a video or animation of the road design be made available for public consumption, a suggestion that was well received. Suggestions for regular and effective communication between the project team and the business community were discussed with the Chamber, indicating its preparedness to act as a focal point for communication if needs be.
Feedback and input from stakeholders such as the Chamber will contribute to the refinement of the project's detailed designs, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), and associated management plans as the project advances.