Mall project on 3rd phase, new traffic pattern required

The multi-million Pedestrian Mall project in Garapan is on track, with workers now starting on Phase 3 of the project, requiring a change in traffic pattern along Coral Tree Avenue, or Hotel Street.

According to project coordinator Bill Wanket of the Department of Public Works, only the western half of Coral Tree Avenue will be open for traffic as construction moves closer to the area.

“Only one side of the road will be open, meaning traffic will be one-way heading south,” he said. “This will be implemented this Monday, June 14.”

Wanket said that, although the change would have an impact on the public, he doesn’t see a big conflict regarding the issue.

“It will have an impact for a short period of time, but once people get use to it, then they would obviously know the road is one-way and will take alternative routes to get to wherever they’re going,” he said.

The hotels in the area—Hyatt Regency Saipan and Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach—have been notified of the new traffic pattern.

Wanket said flagmen will be on duty for directing traffic, and that the Department of Public Safety has been approached about the issue. “We’ll be taking care of enforcing the traffic, but the DPS has extended their support and if any problems arise from motorists unwilling to comply, we will notify the police.”

DPS Commissioner Edward Camacho said yesterday he finds the new one-way traffic suitable, as it will assist in easing traffic flow in the already congested area. “It is a good idea and I am in support of it.”

The street is currently closed at the corner of Remington Club due to a drainage project that Wanket said would be completed by the end of the month.

“By then, that will be open for traffic. We’re also trying to improve the turn-around radius there.”

Wanket, along with Maeda Pacific Corp. general manager Tom Nielson, confirmed that the mall project, estimated to cost about $3.31 million, is ahead of schedule. Construction began on Jan 13, 2004 and is expected to be completed by October 7, 2004.

The mall project was awarded to Maeda Pacific Corp., which promised to complete the work in nine months.

Wanket also disclosed that four-way and three-way stops would be implemented on the two main intersections in the area upon the conclusion of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of World War II Battles of Saipan and Tinian.

“We’re looking at putting a four-way stop at the intersection by the Winchell’s Donut Shop, and a three-way stop at the Micro Beach Road intersection. When money eventually becomes available, we’re looking at installing traffic lights at those intersections,” he said.

Wanket said construction for another project would soon begin along Coral Tree Avenue.

Dubbed the Coral Tree Avenue Improvement Project, the construction includes adding about 80 to 100 trees along the strip. Wanket said new sidewalks will also be constructed, power lines will be placed underground, and light posts similar to the posts along the Beach Road Pathway will be installed.

“At the end of the project, there would be no parking along the road. There are a lot of encroachments, those would be removed as well,” he said.

He said the bidding for the project is on June 25.

Both projects are part of the Garapan Revitalization Project, which is aimed at transforming the image of the hotel district into a family-oriented place that tourists can frequent.

The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late 1990’s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.

The mall project is the third phase of the approximately $25 milion Garapan Revitalization Project. The Promenade project, which covers the 3rd Street or Hotel Street, includes setting up a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets.

The Revitalization Project aims to transform the downtown Garapan area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.

The government said this project would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization.