TRANSPORT Planning Officer in the Ministry of Works, Mr. Rabindranauth Chandarpaul has expressed optimism that building the   proposed extension of the four-lane highway from Providence to Grove, on East Bank Demerara, will begin in earnest during   the last quarter of this year. He said designing of the road, being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with US$20M, is ongoing by the   project consultants and the draft is expected to be submitted within three weeks.
Chandarpaul said, however, there will be a period of review before the construction goes out to tender and that can take   another four months.
He explained that a key aspect of the plan is an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) on how to minimise   problems associated with the venture, such as the need for dust reduction, public interaction and sensitisation, the   necessity for traffic diversion through villages to alleviate any build-up and the upgrading of other roads along the   route.
Chandarpaul said, while the execution of the project is straightforward, the environmental aspect can result in delays.
The existing four-lane thoroughfare begins at Ruimveldt in Georgetown and ends at Providence, opposite MACORP, from where   the continuation into the city from Cheddi Jagan International Airport is only two-lane.
He said the extension will cater for parking and bicycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and bus stops that would increase   safety and reduce disruption of the traffic flow.