Construction of the Red Hook parking garage is set to begin next week, according to a press release issued recently by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA). VIPA had announced that the project would begin several weeks ago, but shipping delays held up the delivery of the pile driving equipment, said Acting Executive Director David Mapp.
“The equipment has arrived and the contractor will begin driving piles to construct the frame of a two-level parking garage adjacent to the Urman Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook. The construction will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Piles will be driven from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and this portion of the project should take about two to three months to complete,” Mapp said.
He added that there will be some noise because of the driving of the piles and apologizes in advance for any disruption to the businesses and residents in the area. He also thanked the community for its patience as VIPA works to improve its port facility.
VIPA’s board approved bond financing in 2014 to fund the construction of the $5.5 million parking garage. The design includes 88 new parking spaces in addition to the 100 existing spaces, as well as improvements to the drainage and utilities. The authority also increased the number of parking spaces for physically challenged drivers. Eleven Construction LLC is performing the construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
