By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

MOTORISTS are advised to avoid using Route 10-A or Airport Road, and to take alternate routes for the next six months due to an ongoing road construction project in the area.
Traffic in the area went from two lanes to one for both the north and south-bound lanes yesterday.
Department of Public Works director Larry Perez said the road project will accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic to and from Home Depot, which is also under construction.
“As with any new development, it is required that the developer contribute to a mitigation plan because of the anticipated increase in traffic to that area,” Perez said. “One of the requirements for developers is that they provide their own traffic signals for anticipated traffic to their facility.”
Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is expected to complete the construction of its Guam branch before the end of this year.
“Home Depot has stepped up to the plate. They are a welcome investor and are a collaborative and helpful investor,” Perez said.
Motorists often take Airport Road as a “short cut” from Route 1 along Marine Corps Drive in Tamuning to Route 16 in Barrigada, as well as in and out of Tiyan. Thousands of motorists frequent the road, but Perez suggests motorists find an alternative route.
“Take an alternative route to avert further traffic congestion. This is affecting north and south-bound traffic because it bottlenecks into the area. There are normally two lanes in both directions; now there will be one lane both directions,” Perez said.
The Airport Road construction is expected to be completed in about six months.
Other projects
The traffic signal construction at the intersection of Marine Corps Drive in Tamuning and Y’Pao Road is expected to be completed in the next 60 to 90 days, according to Perez.
“They are wrapping it up and will begin paving that area. It should be back to normal in the next 60 to 90 days,” he added.
Other projects include the resurfacing of Route 8-A near the P.C. Lujan Elementary School and Radio Barrigada area, and the intersection of Route 4 and Route 17 up to the end of the Camachille Store in Windward Hills in Yona.
Perez told Variety that 10 to 15 roads in Ordot/Chalan Pago will also undergo resurfacing.
These projects are part of the Governor’s Island-wide Pothole Repair Program. Motorists are advised to be cautious and adhere to construction signs throughout the island.