It is hoped that the new road will boost economic activity and lessen the islands vulnerability to the effects of natural disasters.

The possible construction of a new road that will link Gros Islet to Dennery via the northeast could increase economic activity in the northeastern quadrant of the island—particularly in the vicinities of Babonneau and Monchy.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Philip. J. Pierre, “there is need for a reliable road to link the north and south of the island—the major economic drivers of this country. The new road will reduce travel time and open up the northeast quadrant of the island to activity."

Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony had previously indicated the benefits of such a measure.

“A new feasibility assessment will be undertaken for a northeastern highway. This measure will open up new economic activities particularly in the Babonneau and Monchy areas, and create a more direct link for the south of the island.”

The feasibility study is currently being undertaken by Stantec Consulting Int., a Canadian-based firm that provides consultancy services in surveying, architecture, engineering and design. The study will inform of an optimal route to link the north and south, and will consider updated traffic numbers, disaster risk and reduction, and the potential economic developments which may result from providing access to lands which currently have none.

The new road will also improve on the resilience of the island’s road networks in the case of natural disasters.

“Many of us are familiar with the Barre de l’Isle and Marc during severe weather events,” said Simon Daniel, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure. “We remember that the Barre de l’Isle was completely covered with landslides while the Bexon highway was impassable due to flooding. Because of such recurring events, the government is looking at a new route which will not be encumbered or constrained by major disaster events.”

Minister Pierre said that while the study is only the first stage, he believes that in the not-too-distant future, government would have opened up tremendous economic opportunity.

“We are at a critical juncture,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure Dr. Allison Gajadhar. “This project has huge economic potential. Nothing is as transformative as this.”