By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang and other CNMI officials on Thursday shoveled sand at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on a roundabout at the intersection of Beach Road and Micro Beach Road in Garapan.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the $1 million road improvement project is expected to be completed in October 2026. The roundabout will face American Memorial Park. GPPC Inc. is the project contractor.
Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul said the roundabout’s design encourages slower speeds and fewer conflict points, which will significantly reduce crashes. One-way travel and a curved approach will naturally slow vehicles to 15 to 25 mph, improving safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Yumul added that roundabouts reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 30% due to less idling and stop-and-go traffic. They also lower long-term costs by eliminating the need for traffic signals, saving $5,000 to $10,000 in annual maintenance.
Apatang said he hopes the roundabout will reduce traffic congestion. He thanked the USDOT-FHA for funding the project and the National Park Service for allowing a portion of the road to occupy American Memorial Park property.
“Thank you to the National Park Service and all our partners for making this project possible,” the governor said.
He also recognized DPW staff for bringing the project from concept to construction and expressed hope that a video would show the public how to navigate the roundabout safely.
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez said he has long looked forward to the project, recalling a conversation 10 years ago with the late Rep. Ivan Blanco about improving the Beach Road and Micro Beach intersection.
“Here we are today. It is finally going to happen,” Villagomez said, thanking the contractor, DPW, and federal partners USDOT-FHA and NPS.
“Let’s continue to work together to improve the CNMI.”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
