Roseau-Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation

The Roseau-Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation is a landmark infrastructure initiative financed by the People’s Republic of China. It forms one of the original “four pillar projects” signed when diplomatic ties were established in 2004. Implemented by China Railway 17 Bureau Group Co. Ltd., the project covers the 45-kilometer route between Roseau, the capital, and Portsmouth, Dominica’s second-largest city, a vital artery for transport, commerce, and social connectivity.

Key Components and Timeline

The contract was officially signed on October 9, 2009, with a ceremonial groundbreaking held on February 26, 2010. Among key deliverables was the New Roseau Bridge, spanning 70 meters across the mouth of the Roseau River; the bridge measures 10.5 meters wide and 3.7 meters in height. The overall project, funded as an EC$100 million (approximately US$37 million) grant, also included resurfacing, drainage upgrades, and multiple bridge replacements. The New Roseau Bridge alone cost EC$8 million. The rehabilitation was largely completed by early 2012, improving safety and transport flows.

Impact on Infrastructure and Resilience

This rehabilitation enhanced road safety, access, and climate resilience. Following Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Hurricane Maria in 2017, this corridor remained more reliable because of upgraded drainage, reinforced surfaces, and structurally sound bridges.The project significantly improved connectivity between urban and rural communities, bolstering agricultural distribution routes, emergency access, and tourism potential.