THE EDITOR, Sir:

AFTER BEING closed for the last five months, the National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced work to reopen the Lawrence Tavern main road in St Andrew. The road was rendered impassable in the community of Mount Ogle, following a massive breakaway consequent on the passage of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

Due to the closure of the road, motorists travelling from the direction of Stony Hill towards Lawrence Tavern have been using the alternate route through St Christopher.

The work being undertaken at Mount Ogle is valued at approximately $34 million and involves the construction of a retaining wall, the laying of culverts, the construction of a 'U' drain, and the restoration of the affected section of roadway.

Hurricane Sandy also caused a major breakaway near the Oberlin High School, located on the road from Lawrence Tavern to Unity. That section of road was reduced to single lane and has been cited as a serious cause for concern given the near 50-feet drop from the road into the nearby gully and the high volume of students who use the corridor.

Work is also to be undertaken on this section of road and approximately $25 million has been allocated for the completion of the work. The project will entail the restoration of the area to include the construction of a retaining wall, the improvement of the drainage infrastructure, the backfilling and asphalting of the affected section of the roadway.

STEPHEN SHAW

Manager, Communication and

Customer Services

NWA