THE next phase of the federally funded Windward/Kalabera road construction project will begin on Monday, according to the Department of Public Works.
DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul has informed the contractor, RNV Construction, that April 15, 2024, will be the official date for the notice to proceed with Phase IA of the Route 36 or Windward/Kalabera Road construction project.
Phase IA of the project, which costs $3.8 million, is the continuation of the 3.5-mile two-lane highway construction that starts north of Kingfisher Golf Links in Talafofo and will proceed all the way to Kalabera Cave and Bird Island in Marpi.
The previous phase, which was tagged as “Phase 2,” broke ground in 2021 and was completed in September last year. The cost was $15.2 million, which was funded by the U.S. Congress through the Federal Highway Administration.
In his letter to RNV Construction General Manager Ruel R. Villacrusis, Yumul said the contract performance time for Phase IA is 365 calendar days so the completion date will be April 14, 2025. This includes environmental compliance based on the scope of work indicated in the invitation to bid.
Yumul told Villacrusis that any additional work not included in the original contract scope must be approved by the DPW secretary through an authorized contract change order prior to the commencement of work.
“Do not rely on any other form of verbal or written approval to perform any additional work. Any and all expenses incurred prior to the approval of a properly executed contract change order may not be eligible for reimbursement,” Yumul said as he congratulated RNV for being awarded the project.
