The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, proceeded, yesterday afternoon, with the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the construction of a Grade Separated Junction at Wooton.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo; the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; Private Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Serge Gilbert Bablee; the Deputy Chief Government Whip, Mr Soobeersingh Dhunoo; the Chairman of the Road Development Authority (RDA), Mr Louis Joel Yves Jose Patron; the General Manager of the RDA, Mr Nazeer Mowlabaccus; and other eminent personalities were present.
The General Manager of the RDA made a presentation to the Prime Minister and those present as regards the specificities of the project. He highlighted that the Grade Separated Junction at Wooton project is part of the concept review and Traffic Management Plan to improve the Northbound-Southbound and Southbound-Northbound traffic as well as reduce traffic congestion and travel time along Motorway M1 and Quartier Militaire Road (B6) on both sides of the interchange at Wooton through uninterrupted traffic flow.
Speaking about the scope of works, Mr Mowlabaccus indicated that it comprises the design and construction of a Grade Separated Junction in lieu of Wooton Roundabout; the design and construction of dedicated slip lanes to allow road users turning left to bypass the Grade Separated Junction at all approaches; and the design and implementation of the signalisation of the Grade Separated Junction using an intelligent traffic light control system to further enhance the level of service.
He further said that reprofiling of the current motorway and construction of dual carriageway over an approximate distance of 1.5 km will be undertaken. Works, he informed, will also comprise the design and construction of raised footpaths, drains, and retaining structures; the design and construction of bus laybys and shelters; the provision of adequate road lighting and safety equipment; and the dismantling of the existing footbridge at Wooton and the provision of safe pedestrian crossing facilities.
In a statement, the Manager/Civil Engineer of the RDA, Ms Manusha Mauree, who was also present at the Ceremony, stated that some 4,000 vehicles currently converge towards the Wootun roundabout during peak hours which, she said, cause a lot of traffic jam. The Government, through the RDA, has therefore decided to proceed with the construction of a flyover which will help to decrease traffic by 60% Northbound and Southbound, she said.
The project also aims to decrease travel time costs by providing uninterrupted traffic flow from Camp Fouquereaux Roundabout to La Vigie Roundabout and will provide an efficient and effective transportation network in support of socio-economic development within the region of Wooton and neighboring areas, she added.
Ms Mauree further indicated that works have started in September 2022 and will end in March 2024 adding that the project will cost some Rs 388 million (including VAT).
