by Joan Aguon Charfauros

Guam - Island roadwork continues through some of Guam's busiest villages. Here's your weekly RoadWatch report to help you navigate through some of the tougher spots.

Route 7A
Construction will begin on the Route 7A Roadway Rehabilitation and Safety Project from Route 4 near the Agana Shopping Center past the Agana Pool and Mayor's Office to Route 8 on September 17, 2011.

This project is expected to take approximately nine months to complete and includes pavement resurfacing, guardrail replacement, new sidewalk curbs and gutters, replacement and extension of underground drainage systems and replacement of the approaches to the Minondo Bridge.

Drivers traveling through this area can expect traffic lane changes, increased travel times and restrictions throughout the course of construction. Most of the road will be restricted to one-way traffic down the hill from Route 8 throughout the first five months of construction. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes.

Route 14B
Route 14B access from San Vitores Road (Hilton intersection to SDA) has been limited to vehicles weighing 10 tons or below. This section of the road is very narrow and was designed for residential traffic only.  Access and egress for vehicles above 10 tons must be made from Marine Corps Drive. Signs have been posted and will be enforced.

Route 25 Alageta Road
Route 25 is open to traffic. Drivers are asked to observe the posted 25MPH speed limit and all construction signs.

Route 8/10/16 (Tri-Intersection)
Traffic at the Tri-Intersection on Route 8 and 16 continues to be restricted to one lane in each direction.  Traffic from Mangilao on Route 10 can make a left-turn onto Route 8 and a right-turn onto Route 16 increasing the traffic flow through the intersection.  Motorists traveling through this construction area are reminded to not block the intersections of the side streets.

Drivers traveling through this area are requested to stop behind the painted stop lines and the "Stop Here on Red" signs at the intersection.  These lines and signs have been placed so that trucks and buses have enough room to safely make turns at the intersection.

All businesses fronting the construction area remain open and are accessible during construction.

Route 2 (Umatac)
Route 2 Cetti Bay Culvert
Two lanes of travel are open to traffic at the Route 2 Cetti Bay Culvert construction site. Drivers traveling through this area are advised to reduce speed and observe all posted construction signs.

Route 2 Umatac Baseball Culvert
Drivers traveling through the Umatac Baseball Field Culvert construction site are advised to be aware of workers on the road shoulders and thus are urged to reduce speed and observe all constructions signs.

Route 2 Cetti Rock Catchments Wall
Daytime traffic shifts and lane changes continue to be in effect for traffic traveling south of the Cetti Bay Culvert construction area. Drivers are urged to reduce their speed and change lanes when needed.  Delays and increased travel time can be anticipated.

Route 2 Sella Bay Culvert
Route 2 Traffic along the Sella Bay Culvert is open to two lanes of travel however, motorists are advised to reduce speed and observe all posted contraction signs.

Route 17 (Talofofo)
Roadwork will continue this week near the intersection of Route 4 and Route 17 in Talofofo. Shifting lanes, short one lane closures and brief delays can be expected when traveling in this area. Drivers are requested to reduce their speed and to observe all construction signs.

Route 4 Togcha and Talofofo Bridges (Talofofo and Inarajan)
Northbound and southbound traffic continues to be restricted to one lane at the Talofofo and Togcha Bridges on Route 4. Temporary stop lights are in place with timing monitored and adjusted to minimize delays. Drivers can expect increased travel time and short delays.

Route 6A (Murray Road) Asan
Route 6A Murray Road remains closed while construction work is in progress. Drivers are advised to observe all construction, detour and road closure signs.

Route 4A Ylig Bridge (Yona)
Preparations to replace the Ylig Bridge on Route 4 continue while the temporary bridge and detour at the construction site is open to traffic. Daytime lane closures and short delays can be anticipated when traveling through this area.

For more information contact:

Guam Transportation Information Center
Tel: 646-3452
Fax: 646-3449
Email: helpdesk@guamtransportationprogram.com and highways@dpw.guam.gov
Visit: www.guamtransportationprogram.com