WESTERN BUREAU:
LESS THAN a year after the US$72-million North Coast Highway Segment I was officially opened, sections of it have developed cracks and are being dug up for structural repairs.
The area of the 75-kilometre long highway where repair work is being undertaken is the western approach to the Green Island Bridge in Hanover, which has been excavated and is to be relayed with material. As a result of the overhauling of about 30 metres of the North Coast Highway, motorists using that
section of the thoroughfare are being restricted to single lane traffic.
Responding to queries from The Gleaner about the nature of work being done on the highway, Stephen Shaw, communication officer for the Western Region of the National Works Agency (NWA) said: "The NWA noticed cracks in the highway. We investigated the matter and realised that the cracks were as a result of the failure in the base and sub-base of the road."
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Mr. Shaw explained that the highway contractors, Ashtrom Building Systems Ltd., were asked to take corrective action. He however pointed out that the cost of the repairs will not be borne by the NWA, as there is a one-year defects liability period, which means Ashtrom will have to foot the repair price-tag.
The overhauling started at the end of June.
"The contractors have been having problems sourcing the required marl for the sub-base and base of the road," Mr. Shaw pointed out. "The marl, which was identified at marl pits in the area for use on the repair project, has been tested and found to be below the approved standard. It's taking a while for the contractors to source marl elsewhere."
