The community is invited to learn more about the exciting upgrades planned for the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront at a groundbreaking ceremony set for 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 15, at the eastern end of the waterfront near the Lover’s Lane intersection at William Hastie Park, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor.
Gov. Kenneth Mapp said the Veterans Drive Improvement Project, which has been on the books for over 30 years, will transform the waterfront for both residents and visitors, making it both more pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Department of Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty said the project will help to alleviate existing traffic congestion, provide future roadway capacity, improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, and help better highlight important historical sites such as the Fort Christian Museum.
“This project received its first environmental approval in October of 1984,” Petty said. “Over the past 34 years there have been numerous revisions leading to the final approval last year.”
The project consists of the construction of two additional lanes along the existing Veterans Drive and the construction of a pedestrian promenade supported by a new concrete sea wall. It also includes bastion like projections at various locations along the promenade. Landscaping both on the promenade and in the new median, as well as enhanced pedestrian lighting will be included.
The commissioner said the first phase of the project will begin near the Lucinda Millin intersection, and it will end just west of the Hospital Gade intersection (Fort Christian Parking Lot).
He acknowledged that construction will mean some disruption and inconvenience to the traveling public. “Please be patient as we work in this area,” Petty said. “I believe these tremendous improvements to our infrastructure and waterfront will truly be worth any temporary inconvenience.”
