Paseo in the books, Coral Tree next in line

With the Paseo de Marianas Mall officially completed, construction will now move into the Coral Tree Avenue, a project estimated to cost about $1.8 million.

The project, part of the Garapan Revitalization Project, features the addition of about 100 trees along the strip situated just east of the Hyatt Regency Saipan and Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach in Garapan and the construction of crosswalks for pedestrians, among others.

According to Department of Public Works project coordinator Bill Wanket, the project is scheduled to be completed by July 3, 2005. Maeda Pacific Corp., which did the Paseo de Marianas construction, was also awarded the Coral Tree project.

“I think this road will be beautiful when [the project] is done,’ he said in an interview yesterday afternoon.

Wanket said that, instead of disrupting motorists, traffic will continue to be two-way along the road “for now” until traffic lights are set up at two intersections: by Winchell’s Doughnut Shop and American Memorial Park intersection.

He said the current sidewalk along the western side of the road will be demolished, adding about two feet to the roadway. Walking area will be at the eastern side of the road.

Wanket said that a planting strip for flame trees and rainbow shower trees will be included on the western side of the road, while scrambled egg trees and coral trees will be featured along the eastern portion.

“In the initial plan, we were supposed to have flame trees on one side and coral trees on the other,” he said. “That’s all changed because these trees have seasons for blooming, and we don’t want the place to look dead. With the other trees, we’re adding color.”

Three pedestrian walkways will be constructed using brick pavers instead of the usual white markers, and stop signs will possibly be placed at each crossway.

Citing the need to prevent delivery trucks from disrupting traffic during deliveries to businesses in the area, Wanket said three turnouts will be constructed along the walkway on the eastern side of the road. That part of the project, though, is still under study.

“A lot of trucks come and park on the road for delivery, so we’re going to put three turnouts for quick deliveries,” he said. “They’re going to pull in to deliver, and there will be a time limit for loading and unloading. Also, rather than you looking for space to park and making everyone walk to a certain establishment, you can come in to the turnouts, drop them off, then go park and come back.”

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.