Building on the administration’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure projects, the CNMI Department of Public Works on Monday broke ground on the Route 36 Phase 1-A road expansion that will pave the road from the intersection of As Matuis and Windward Road to Kalabera Cave. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang joined DPW Secretary Ray Yumul and other officials for the groundbreaking ceremony. The road improvements include 12- and 11.5-foot-wide travel lanes as well as 5.5-foot-wide shoulders and bike lanes on each side. The project is funded by U.S. congressional earmark funds secured through the assistance and support of U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan. The project is expected to be completed by April 14, 2025.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul and other officials on Monday held a ground-breaking ceremony for the next phase of the federally funded Windward/Kalabera road construction project.
It is the continuation of the 3.5-mile two-lane highway construction that starts north of Kingfisher Golf Links in Talafofo and will proceed to Kalabera Cave and Bird Island in Marpi.
The $3.8 million highway improvement project is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Federal Highway Administration. The contractor is RNV Construction.
The previous phase, which cost $15.2 million, was completed in September last year.
In his remarks, the governor said, “The groundbreaking, which is part of a series of other kick-off events for many other infrastructure projects, is a symbol of this administration’s commitment to the completion of more projects that will benefit our community, better connect our residents, and contribute to our economic growth.”
He thanked and acknowledged all those who made the project possible, including U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and his staff, the Department of Public Works, the regulatory agencies, and other partnering offices and individuals.
In his remarks, DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul said the project involves the construction of an approximately 0.76-mile roadway from the end of the newly constructed Route 36 on the north-east coast of Saipan.
