The upgrade of the roadway from Valencia to Toco is a component of the larger vision of the Government to stimulate new industrial, residential and commercial development in the entire North East region of Trinidad. The Valencia Main Road was identified as a key segment in the road network linking the village of Valencia to the proposed Toco Highway and the CRHEM Highway via Ojoe the Road connector thereby ensuring greater connectivity and increasing capacity. It was also identified as a key access road to Trinidad's northeast coast, which services the communities of Matura, Salybia, Rampanalgas, Cumana, Sans Souci, Grande Riviere, Paria and Matelot.
In conjunction with the proposed construction of a new fast ferry port in Toco, this road upgrade will now provide a faster alternative sea route to and from Tobago from East Trinidad. In addition, it will reduce travel time, improve sight distances and increase opportunities for economic growth. The project was deemed necessary as it presents numerous benefits for villagers and road users alike such as:
- Improved accessibility- reduced travel time
- Increased potential for economic activity in general and local tourism
- Expansion of cottage industries
- Provision of a smooth riding surface
- Improved drainage system
- Improved sight distances
The Valencia to Toco Road Upgrade programme consisted of eight work packages that was undertaken in two (2) phases - Phase I from 0 to 6 km and Phase II the remaining 6.4 km.
The works included:
- Widening and reconstruction of the existing road including the provision of vertical and horizontal road alignments to meet international standards.
- Construction of non-signalised intersections i.e. roundabouts at Valencia Junction and Ojoe Road Junction.
- Upgrade of drainage system
- Repair of existing major slope instabilities at 4.2 km and 6.6 km using sustainable stabilisation methods namely reinforced earthen embankments
- Utility relocation/ existing utility protection
The estimated capital cost of this 12.4 km upgrade programme of works is $196 Million. Any necessary land acquisition will be pursued under the Land Acquisition Act.
PHASE 1 CONSISTED OF FOUR (4) PACKAGES:
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 1 [Construction of Round-about & Associated Works], Valencia Junction
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 2 [Drainage, Concrete & Road Works], From Valencia Intersection Chainage 0+000 to 2+000
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 3 [Drainage, Concrete & Road Works], From Valencia Intersection Chainage 2+000 to 3+500
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 4 [Slope Stabilization & Road Rehab. Works], From Valencia Intersection Chainage 3+500 to 5+000
PHASE 2 CONSISTED OF FOUR (4) PACKAGES:
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 5 [Construction of Round-about & Road Works], Valencia Old Road 5+000 to 6+500
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 6 [Road Works, Drainage & Slope Stabilization], Valencia Old Road 6+500 to 8+000
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 7 [Road Widening Works], Valencia Old Road 8+000 to 10+000
- Valencia to Toco Upgrade - Pkg 8 [Road Widening Works], Valencia Old Road 10+000 to 12+400
National Strategy Development
The National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2030, Vision 2030, is a comprehensive national development planning framework of the GORTT that lays the foundation and pathway for attaining developed country status by the year 2030. In so doing, Vision 2030 indicates
“A key feature of a developed country is quality infrastructure and transportation services. High quality infrastructure unlocks economic potential, ensures an equitable distribution of growth and opportunities throughout the country and creates networks that bind us together.
Efficient and resilient infrastructure enables global trade, powers businesses, connects workers to their jobs, creates new opportunities for struggling communities, and reduces the vulnerability of an unpredictable natural environment.”
The upgrade of the roadway from Valencia to Toco was one key component of Vision 2030 as Government moves to stimulate new industrial, residential and commercial development in the entire North East region of Trinidad.