18 September 2009
The latest project to receive the go-ahead for funding from the States’ fiscal stimulus pot is essential road rebuilding and resurfacing in Victoria Avenue to repair the failing road structure.
Transport and Technical Services (TTS) has been allocated £1.3m to complete the next phase of the repair and replacement of road, drains and lights in Victoria Avenue, from Rue de Galet to First Tower.
Giving the project the green light, Treasury Minister Senator Philip Ozouf said: "This work will significantly boost contracting engineering opportunities at a time when the industry is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn."
Victoria Avenue Phase Two is one of 24 approved bids for financial support from a £44 million Stabilisation Fund provision to boost economic recovery. The injection of funds allows TTS to top up its budget and bring the Victoria Avenue project forward. TTS will allocate an additional £1 million of its own budget.
The contract has now been awarded to Trant (Jersey) Ltd. 3 of the Island’s civil works contractors tendered for the Phase Two project. Each contractor’s proposals regarding the use of local labour was taken into consideration at the tender assessment stage.
Transport Minister Constable Mike Jackson said: "Victoria Avenue is the Island’s most important route and event venue. 30,000 vehicles travel it each day.
"The 45-year-old drainage system is deteriorating and the majority will be replaced. A 2005 report showed that the road structure had ‘negligible residual life’ and since then the road has been patched, a temporary measure you might compare to using a plaster to cover over problem areas rather than fix them."
Antony Ballantyne from Trant (Jersey) Ltd said: "The decision to award these works will be a major boost for us as a civil engineering contractor and our line suppliers. This sector of the industry has borne the brunt of the current economic downturn and the stimulus funds will ensure that the skilled labour force remains in the Island."
Work will begin in October and finish in mid February 2010, avoiding morning and evening traffic peaks and the weekends. Motorists will be clearly directed around the works and all interested parties, including emergency services, nearby residents and businesses have already been consulted about the project.
The forthcoming work also includes adjustments to the central reservation for pedestrian safety and lengthening of the west-bound right-turn lane into Rue de Galet to take queuing vehicles off the main thoroughfare. 40-year-old lamp columns will be replaced by energy efficient versions.
"There is no question that the resurfacing work is essential from an engineering point of view," said Chris Sampson, TTS Director of Municipal Services. "The only thing that has held us back has been funding. Thanks to the fiscal stimulus budget we will be able to complete this phase of the project early next year."
gov.je