The Curepe Interchange is the current phase of the improvement projects being implemented as part of the larger East-West Corridor Expansion and Improvement Works Programme. This ongoing Programme was initiated as a solution for the alleviation of traffic congestion along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway (CRH), with the elimination of traffic signals along the corridor and the upgrade of intersections.
The Curepe Interchange involves the construction of an overpass with two clover leaf sections at the intersection of CRH and Southern Main Road, Curepe. It also includes construction of the associated frontage and connector roads within the area north and south of the CRH from Prince Charles Avenue, Valsayn to the intersection at the Southern Main Road.
To signal the commencement of this phase a Sod Turning Ceremony was held on Wednesday 20th February, 2019. Upon completion of this phase, the new interchange and the ancillary works is expected to reduce the travel time along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. This would be a considerable boost to the local economy during construction, as this project is expected to generate major activity in the construction sector.
Commercial opportunities will redound to small contractors, skilled and unskilled workers and the business community.
The scope of works for 2019 included
- The construction of drainage channels, and ramps including the South Roundabout
- The construction of the Flyover bridge
- The realignment of the Southern Main Road and the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.
The installation of the steel girders at the site of the Curepe Interchange Project commenced on Sunday 5th January 2020.
On Wednesday 29th April 2020, the Minister of Works and Transport, Senator the Honourable Rohan Sinanan, Minister of Works and Transport and officials of National Infrastructure Development company Limited (NIDCO) partially opened the Phase 1 of the Curepe Interchange Project at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that was held on site of the new newly completed works. At the ceremony, the signalized traffic signals were decommissioned.
This project is viewed as a milestone as it contributes to the expansion of the highway network that will create increased inter-connectivity between rural and urban communities; and ease traffic congestion in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Curepe Interchange Project also known as The Churchill Roosevelt Highway (CRH/Southern Main Road Curepe (SMR) Curepe Flyover and Ancillary Works is the current phase of the interchange improvement projects being implemented as part of the larger East West Corridor expansion and Improvement Works Programme.
The scope of works entailed:
• Construction of an overpass with two clover leaf sections at the intersection of the CRH and SMR, Curepe and other ramps
• Widening and realignment of the CRH to accommodate six lanes and frontage roads north and south of the CRH, and
• Construction of a roundabout in the south-eastern quadrant near Kay Donna and realignment of the Southern Main Road
This project will bring relief to thousands of motorists who travel along the CRH daily, through the following:
• Reduction in traffic congestion
• Increased capacity on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway
• Improved access to / from adjacent communities
• Improved safety for vehicles
• Improved pedestrian accessibility and safety
• Reduced road user cost
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley commissioned and unveiled the plaque for the recently constructed Curepe Interchange at a ceremony held on Monday 08 June, 2020.
The Government completed this project for an estimated $240 million less than was budgeted under the previous administration.
This project is part of the Port of Spain East West Corridor Expansion and Improvement Works Programme. It is expected that the transportation superstructure will help to alleviate current traffic congestion and decrease travel times significantly.