The Department of Public works broke ground on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 for the Route 302 and 304 Naftan Road Improvement Project. The project, which is funded by The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, involves the improvement of the existing coral road to include a two-lane paved road with a shoulder/bike lane, drainage system, pavement markings and traffic signs. In photo, with lawmakers and DPW officials led by DPW Secretary Ray Yumul, are Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang delivers his remarks during the Route 302 and 304 groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.
THE Department of Public Works on Friday held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Naftan Road or Route 302 improvement project.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, in his remarks, said the project involves the improvement of an existing coral road and will include a two-lane paved road with a paved shoulder/bike lane on each side of the travel lanes.
When completed, he said, the new road will provide enhanced access to the growing number of residents in the area to historic sites, and to two of the island’s most beautiful sites: Obyan Beach and Ladder Beach.
The $2.7 million project is a 2.5-mile loop road in the southernmost part of the island. It is is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
The governor said the groundbreaking ceremony “is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the completion of more infrastructure projects that will benefit our community, better connect our residents, and contribute to our economic growth.”
He said, “It’s essential to remember that every great accomplishment comes with challenges. The construction phase may bring temporary inconveniences, but it’s important to keep our eyes on the long-term benefits that will follow. Let’s embrace this road construction project with patience and resilience, knowing that the end result will be worth it.”
For his part Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang said the road improvement was the first project he pursued as a member of the 10th House of Representatives (1996-1998), and that to see it come to fruition is a dream come true.
DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul expressed his utmost gratitude to USDOT and FHWA for funding infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth.
“This project will not just make Route 302 and 304 safer but will also give our island residents and visitors enhanced access to Obyan and Ladder Beach,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the completion of this route, as well as the many other road enhancement projects that are ongoing on our islands,” he added.
