[Linked Image]

In October of 2019, the Government of Belize (GOB) signed a contract with Taiwanese firm, Overseas Engineering and Construction Company Limited S.A. (OECC), for the upgrade of the Corozal/Sarteneja Road. T

he contract signing followed the signing of a loan agreement between the Government of Belize and the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (EXIM Bank) for a sum of US$50M on September 9, 2019 for the road project.

OECC was contracted for its extensive road construction experience in the Caribbean and Central American regions.

The contract was for the design and upgrading of 43.2 km (27.5 miles) of road, including the construction of two bridges to replace the old ferries at Pueblo Nuevo and Laguna Seca.

It is expected that upon completion, the new road will provide a direct and all-weather link between Corozal Town on the Northern Highway and many of the communities to the east of the Copper Bank, Chunox, Progresso Lagoon-John Piles Creek-Laguna Seca Waterway System, including the village of Sarteneja.

The contract also provided for the design, construction supervision, and updating of the Feasibility and Environmental and Social Impact Study that was completed in 2000. This included conducting topographical surveys, conducting hydrological modelling to design adequate drainage structures for the road, and preparing preliminary designs and final designs for the road upgrade.

The road is being upgraded to pave and climate resilient standards with a doubled chip and seal and with proper drainage considerations to ensure its resilience against climate change impacts.

Additionally, the contract provides for enhanced road furniture and safety measures such as culverts, line marking, cat's eyes, vertical and horizontal signage and construction of bus stops with laybys.

The upgraded Corozal/Sarteneja Road will accommodate heavier vehicles, strengthen its resilience against climate change impacts, and provide more convenience to the travelling public.

The road was expected to be completed within 54 months after contract signing but there has been many delays, one particular, was the Covid-19 pandemic. So far, the project has covered 40 months.

The Pueblo Nuevo Bridge has only seen installation of pilings, however, the Laguna Seca Bridge is currently under construction as seen in this photo taken January 18th, 2023.

Many sections of the road from the Progresso junction to Copper Bank and Sarteneja have been asphalted but the works steadily continue.

Photo by the Corozal Daily