A schedule for island-wide road paving will be adjusted to accommodate the anticipated replacement of Swing Bridge in the East End, MPs heard today.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and the Environment, said that work will be carried out on detour routes in preparation for the heavy equipment and diversions required.

He told the House of Assembly that improving road conditions remained “a national priority”.

Mr Adams said: “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 co-ordination 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, Waller’s 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.”

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, said in his Budget statement last month that $9.4 million was allocated in 2026-27 for the replacement bridge, to be erected to the immediate east of the Swing Bridge spanning Ferry Reach in St George’s.

The Budget book showed a total authorised figure for the refurbishments of $70 million.

Mr Adams said today that community consultation will take place before the East End paving works begin.

He added: “We recognise 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, paving currently under way in the Flatts Village area near the aquarium will be completed to minimise 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.”

The programme will then move to Palmetto Road.

“Addressing its full resurfacing aligns with our strategy of targeting high traffic areas that have experienced sustained wear and deterioration,” the minister added.

Linda Smith, the Shadow Minister of Public Works and Environment, asked the minister for a general timeline for completion of the works and how long some works may need to be postponed for work related to the Swing Bridge.

Mr Adams said that while he is always hesitant to provide concrete deadlines, it is expected that work at Spanish Point Road will be completed “in the next week or so”.

He said work would start at Kindley Field some time in April and that those works were expected to take three to four months.

“Anything further than that will be difficult to project,” he said.

However, he added that once the Kindley Field area is completed, works in Southampton would begin by about July or August.

Robert King, the Shadow Minister of National Security, asked when the RFP for the bridge works would be issued and what the cost of construction was expected to be.

Mr Adams responded that the RFP is expected to be issued within two to three weeks, while the works are expected to be in the region of $50 million to $60 million.

• To see the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media

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Jache Adams - road paving and Swing Bridge works