By Honolulu District Public Affairs
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu District awarded a $4,895,900.00, firm fixed price construction contract, September 30, to Trade West Construction Inc. of Mesquite, Nevada to repair sections of the Palau Compact Road.
The 53-mile long Palau Compact Road that encircles the island of Babeldoab was funded by the United States through the Compact of Free Association agreement between the U.S. and the Republic of Palau (ROP). It was completed and conveyed to the ROP on October 1, 2007. Since then, sections of pavement were damaged. At the request of the ROP, President Johnson Toribiong, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs has partnered with the Corps to repair the damaged sections.
"The prompt repair of the Palau Compact Road is a priority for both the United States and the Republic of Palau," said Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas Tony Babauta. "U.S. Ambassador to Palau Helen Reed-Rowe and I have been working closely with President Toribiong to ensure that the repair of the Palau Compact Road is done in such a way to avoid any similar future problems. Ambassador Reed-Rowe and I are very pleased the Army Corps of Engineers recognizes the importance of moving expeditiously on this project."
"For decades, OIA has successfully partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to assist the insular areas in addressing their infrastructure needs. I look forward to that partnership continuing as we strive to improve the quality of life for residents of the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States," he added.
During construction, the contractor will coordinate any detours and lane closures with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce.
The bypass roads will remain open for most of the repairs, and local traffic and emergency vehicles will be able to gain access during these times. There may be temporary traffic disruptions during construction when the road repairs are underway at the intersections of the bypass road and the road slide section at drainline 46. We ask for the public’s patience during this period. All work will be done to the highest standards of safety and in full compliance with best industry practices to protect the environment.
We expect that the construction including the anticipated time needed for required submittals such as the safety plan, site specific sediment erosion control plan, final permit issued by the Environmental Quality Protection Board, and procurement of materials will last around one year. However as construction is weather dependent, local weather conditions are expected to play a factor in the final construction schedule.
For more information on the status of the repair work, contact Milton Yoshimoto of the Honolulu District in Hawaii at 808-835-4034.
For media queries, contact Honolulu District Chief of Public Affairs Joseph Bonfiglio in Hawaii at 808-835-4004.