by Joan Aguon Charfauros

Guam - Island residents would be wise to take care on Guam's roadways during the busy shopping days leading up to Christmas. Here's a helpful guide to make sure you steer clear of blocked areas.

Route 25 Alageta Road
The project is progressing on schedule with roadside clearing, excavation, backfill operations and installation of traffic signal poles continuing this week. Drivers are advised to observe all posted construction signs to safely move through the construction zone. Drivers are also requested to reduce their speeds in the construction zones and on the local streets.

Traffic heading toward Route 16/Airport continues to be detoured onto Bari Asi Street and Acho Latte. Traffic coming from Route 16/Airport continues to be detoured from Alageta Road onto Kalamasa Road. Additional stop signs and 15 mph speed limit signs are installed along Kalamasa Drive and Uhang Street to slow traffic and enhance safety in the work zone.

Road closures remain in effect for Alageta Road between Chalan Acho Nonak and Uhang Street. Access to Bello Market and local traffic is provided through the construction area.

Route 4 from McDonalds to Route 10
All traffic lanes are open on the project and traffic signals are in normal operation. No delays are expected.

Route 8/10/16 (Tri-Intersection)
Traffic lanes at the Tri-Intersection continue to be restricted to one lane in each direction. The concrete work for the new roadway is proceeding as scheduled and traffic lanes are anticipated to be moved to the new pavement in late January. Drivers are requested to comply with the "DO NOT BLOCK EMERGENCY ACCESS" sign at the Barrigada Fire Station on Route 8 when waiting for the Route 10 traffic signal. Please use caution when moving through the construction zone.

Route 4 (Yona)
Drivers heading to and from Yona are advised that lanes have been shifted while crews continue construction of the retaining wall near the look out. Drivers are advised to follow the construction signs that shift the lanes of traffic and reduce their speeds in the construction area.

Route 2 (Umatac)
Drivers using Route 2 in Agat and Umatac are requested to look well in advance for the construction signs that shift the lanes of traffic at Cetti River and to reduce their speed in the construction area.

Route 17 (Talofofo)
This week the contractor will continue with roadway excavation at various locations throughout the project. As the Route 17 pavement widening and strengthening project progresses, drivers are requested to be cautious and reduce their speed in the construction area especially at the sharp turns. Drivers are advised that this work may require daytime lane closures which will result in short delays and increased travel time.

Route 16 (GMF / Guam Army National Guard)
Construction crews continue to install new wire, a traffic signal pole and signal heads over travel lanes, and other signal accessories at the Route 16 – GMF / Guam Army National Guard intersection. Drivers are asked to observe posted traffic signs, expect shifting lanes and short delays.