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Bryan Holds Ribbon-Cutting For Veterans Drive Project … And No One Comes … Because of COVID-19

Bryan Holds Ribbon-Cutting For Veterans Drive Project ... And No One Comes ... Because of COVID-19

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach and Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Veteran's Drive this morning — no one came — because of the threat of COVID-19.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach and Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty, Jr. had a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning for the completion of the initial phase of the Veterans Drive road project.

The road works project is part of a larger revitalization of the St. Thomas waterfront and the downtown areas of the capital town.

After some brief remarks, Governor Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Roach led a cavalcade of vehicles for an inaugural drive on the newly opened road.

Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. on Veteran’s Drive on a breezy day.

Phase 1 of the Veterans Drive Improvement Project finished by the American Bridge Company well before its completion date of July 2021 at a cost of $45 million.

The scope of work included roadway widening; pavement reconstruction; seawall construction; drainage improvements; lighting; installation of a new expanded promenade and landscaping.

The design for Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed in 2021, with an estimated cost of $100 million.

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach does a drive-by on the road.

The work for Phase 2 will include widening lanes on the waterfront from 9 to 11 feet; expanding the promenade, which will have a double alley of trees to enhance the pedestrian experience; raised speed tables for pedestrian crossings; areas for sidewalk cafes and other commercial activity; pedestrian and road lighting; a landscaped median; and improvements to the plaza area, which will include a water feature.

Upon the project’s completion, the existing roadway between the Legislature and Fort Christian will be closed to become a pedestrian walkway.

Pastor Merle Malone of Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church blesses the newly-opened road this morning.

The Veterans Drive road project is the culmination of a multi-day charrette called the Town’s Blueprint that took place in 2010.

Governor Bryan and Lieutenant Governor Roach lead the way as the first vehicles to drive on the newly-opened road.

In addition to Governor Bryan, Lt. Governor Roach and Commissioner Petty, others who participated in the ribbon-cutting were American Bridge Company Project Manager Justin Berglund, St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator Avery Lewis, Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell, Pastor Merle Malone of Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eric Castro, of Grade All Construction, and St. Thomas-St. John Police Chief Steven Phillip.

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