The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, proceeded, yesterday afternoon, to the official opening of the Verdun Bypass (Phase 1). To the tune of some Rs 403 million, the project consists of the construction of 2.7 km long new single carriageway road to bypass the Verdun village connecting Alma and Motorway M3 (Terre Rouge – Verdun – Trianon Link Road).
The Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Nand Prakash Ramchurrun; the Chairman and Board members of the Road Development Authority; as well as representatives from the ENL Group were also present.
In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that this project forms part of the Road Decongestion Programme whose objective is to alleviate traffic congestion along the main roads across the country.
He underlined that this Bypass will address the severe traffic congestion encountered within the region of St Pierre and Verdun. He added that the Verdun Bypass will provide an alternate route access to drivers coming from the region of Flacq/ Camp de Masque towards Reduit and Moka which will alleviate traffic congestion especially during peak hours, improve road connectivity, and enhance the travel experience of commuters.
Moreover, the PM pointed out that with upcoming development in that part of the country such as the Moka Smart City, the Bypass will provide a rapid link connection in the region for the future. Furthermore, he enumerated several other projects in the pipeline aimed at addressing road congestion and which will help road users save fuel and time, thereby reducing vehicle emissions. They include: La Vigie-La Brasserie-Beau Songes Road; Flic en Flac Bypass; Bois Cheri Bypass; Savanne A9 between La Flora and Tyack; and Hermitage Bypass.
Prime Minister Jugnauth underpinned that all these new roads will include a bicycle lane as is the case for the Verdun Bypass. He rejoiced that this new initiative will increase the safety and comfort of area bicyclists, and encourage cycling by ensuring that there is a safe place for bicyclists.
Speaking about the collaboration between the public and private sectors, Prime Minister Jugnauth expressed gratitude towards the ENL Group Ltd for facilitating many governmental projects in terms of provision of land, tree planting, embellishment of the environment, and infrastructure development.
The Prime Minister concluded by appealing to the population to abide by all traffic rules, speed limits, and traffic signs and signals. He underlined that road users should take all precautions to prevent road accidents and loss of life.
