The Prime Minister, Hon. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, proceeded with the Ground-breaking Ceremony for the construction of a Grade Separated Junction in Wooton, together with the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Hon. Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram, The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Louis Steven Obeegadoo; The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Hon. Alan Ganoo and other eminent personalities.
The General Manager of the Road Development Authority made a presentation to the Prime Minister and those present as regards the specificities of the project. He highlighted that the Grade Separated Junction at Wooton project is part of the concept review and Traffic Management Plan to improve the Northbound-Southbound and Southbound-Northbound traffic as well as reduce traffic congestion and travel time along Motorway M1 and Quartier Militaire Road (B6) on both sides of the interchange at Wooton through uninterrupted traffic flow.
Speaking about the scope of works, Mr Mowlabaccus indicated that it comprises the design and construction of a Grade Separated Junction in lieu of Wooton roundabout; the design and construction of dedicated slip lanes to allow road users turning left to bypass the Grade Separated Junction at all approaches; and the design and implementation of the signalisation of the Grade Separated Junction using an intelligent traffic light control system to further enhance the level of service.
He further said that reprofiling of the current motorway and construction of a dual carriageway over an approximate distance of 1.5 km will be undertaken. Works, he informed, will also comprise the design and construction of raised footpaths, drains, and retaining structures; the design and construction of bus laybys and shelters; the provision of adequate road lighting and safety equipment; and the dismantling of the existing footbridge in Wooton and the provision of safe pedestrian crossing facilities. It should be noted that the grade separated junction of Wooton will cost around Rs 337.5 million and will be ready in March 2024.
