Preparations for the Northern Road Improvement Project advanced this week as Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met with a technical delegation from China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The team is currently in Dominica conducting detailed assessments for the large-scale rehabilitation of the roadway stretching from Portsmouth to Hatton Garden.
According to the Prime Minister, the visit forms part of ongoing work following a commitment from Chinese President Xi Jinping to support major infrastructure upgrades in Dominica. The project is being financed by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the visiting engineers are carrying out on-site evaluations to finalise the design and technical requirements ahead of construction.
Planned improvements include new bridges and culverts, slope-stabilisation measures and widening of critical sections of the roadway, which have long been affected by erosion and structural strain. Retaining walls are expected to be installed in vulnerable areas to improve commuter safety. The Prime Minister noted that the design phase is essential before works can begin and confirmed that the delegation will “continue on-site evaluations in the coming days.”
The route, which connects northern communities to the wider national road network, is one of Dominica’s most heavily used corridors for residents, educators, farmers, small businesses and tourism operators. Improving its safety and reliability has been a longstanding national priority.
Prime Minister Skerrit expressed confidence in the progress made so far, saying the project represents a meaningful upgrade for the northern district. He indicated that engaging the Chinese technical team early allows the government to ensure that local conditions, terrain challenges and community needs are accurately incorporated into the final engineering plan.
The Northern Road Improvement Project is one of several China-supported initiatives currently underway in Dominica, alongside the international airport project and other infrastructure partnerships.
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