ONE of the busiest intersections on Saipan will be revamped in an effort to eliminate hazards in the accident-prone area.
The Route 31 Chalan Monsignor Guerrero and Route 307 Chalan Tun Antonio Apa intersection near Northern Marianas College on As Terlaje Hill will soon have its span wire traffic signal poles replaced with a traffic signal pole and guardrail.
It will also have an anti-skid surface to prevent vehicles from swerving, especially during harsh weather conditions.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation-Federal Highway Administration, the $567,558 hazard elimination project broke ground on Tuesday in the presence of government and NMC officials, as well as community members.
“So many accidents have happened over here,” said Department of Public Works Secretary James A. Ada.
He extended his gratitude to U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan for the project’s federally appropriated funds.
Ada likewise thanked the DPW management and staff, as well as the contractors, for their work in making this project possible.
Moreover, he thanked members of the public for their patience during the project’s construction.
DPW highway administrator Lorraine S. Villagomez thanked Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, and the CNMI Legislature for pushing the project.
In his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez noted that project is for the safety of motorists as well as for NMC students, staff, and faculty.
Villagomez said he hopes to see more such projects in Precinct 3, which he represents.
“I’m very excited for this project and all the projects that are coming up…I know [more projects are] coming forward,” he added as he thanked the administration, DPW, federal partners, and all stakeholders.
NMC President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, for his part, underscored the partnership between the college and DPW, especially during the disaster recovery efforts in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu.
He said he cherishes the partnership and looks forward to future projects.
Hong Ye Rental and Construction Ltd., the project contractor, has until Thursday, Sept. 16, 2022 to complete the project.
On Tuesday morning, Department of Public Works Secretary James A. Ada and DPW, joined by Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, other officials and dignitaries as well as members of the community, broke ground on the hazard elimination project at the Intersection of Route 31 (Chalan Monsignor Guerrero) & Route 307 (Chalan Antonio Apa). The project seeks to eliminate the hazard at the intersection of Chalan Monsignor Guerrero and Chalan Tun Antonio Apa by replacing one of the span wire traffic signal poles to a mast arm traffic signal pole and installing a guardrail. DPW Secretary Ada extends his appreciation to the management and staff of the Department of Public Works and the contractors for their work in making this project possible, and appreciates the patience of the public in preparation of the completion of this project. This project is expected to be completed by mid-September, and is funded by the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Department of Public Works Secretary James A. Ada
Department of Public Works highway administrator Lorraine S. Villagomez
House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez
Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero
