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DPW asked to draw up priority projects • Rep. Torres proposes road linking Navy Hill, Mt. Tapochau and Capitol Hill
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Posted on Aug 15 2000
The Department of Public Works has been urged to draw up a priority list on four projects, including a proposed new road that will provide the shortest link between Navy Hill and Mt. Tapochau and Capitol Hill.
Aside from the estimated $5 million road project, others in the pipeline include pedestrian safety crossings near school zones as well as installation of vertical flashing lights in these crossings, and road directional signs.
In a letter to Andrew Smith, director of DPW Technical Services Division, Rep. William S. Torres asked for an update on these projects to determine which one is feasible in terms of funding and implementation timeline.
He also pointed out the need to meet with the Marianas Visitors Authority to plan the directional signs that will be put up in major roads on the islands.
“Not only should the signs be functional, but also aesthetically in sync with our visitor industry’s promotional strategy of the islands,” Mr. Torres told the DPW official.
He added that “collaborative strategic meeting” will have to be held with other government agencies and the private sector to develop a blueprint or road map for this project.
The Saipan representative earlier had bat for the construction of the 2.4 mile road from Navy Hill to the peak of Mt. Tapochao to provide alternative route in reaching the destination from low-lying areas.
The Federal Highway Administration has expressed support for the plan as the CNMI receives around $3 million in FHA grants every year.
If it pushes through, the Navy Hill-Mt. Tapochao road will become the shortest route for motorists in reaching the area which is the highest peak on Saipan. At present, it is accessible only through Capitol Hill.
