By Tynia Brown 

Journal Staff Writer

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs Hon. Clay Sweeting has provided updates on several major infrastructure projects across The Bahamas, including airport, bridge and road works.

Sweeting said temporary repairs to the North Eleuthera Airport runway are moving ahead after concerns over its condition affected airline operations. He said equipment is already on the ground and the work is expected to take about 12 days, weather permitting.

The temporary repairs are intended to keep the airport operational while plans progress for a new runway, runway extension and apron capable of accommodating larger aircraft.

Sweeting also gave an update on the Fresh Creek Bridge in Andros, saying the government will temporarily reinforce the existing structure while moving ahead with plans for a permanent replacement. He said a temporary bridge was estimated to cost between $10 million and $15 million, which the government determined was not practical.

On New Providence, Sweeting pushed back against claims that recent Shirley Street roadworks are only being carried out because of the upcoming visit of King Charles III. He said the road was already part of the ministry’s paving programme and argued that road works have been increasing across the country for several years.

Meanwhile, preparatory work for improvements to Gladstone Road has been completed and the project is expected to move to the Request for Proposals stage.

Sweeting also said the government has completed plans for a wider New Providence road improvement scheme aimed at easing traffic congestion. The proposal, which could include overpasses, is now being priced and divided into phases before being tabled in Parliament.