Hagåtña, Guam – Acting Governor Josh Tenorio today announced the launch of two major projects under the Department of Public Works (DPW) that will strengthen Guam’s core roadway infrastructure along Route 1 from Piti to Yigo. These Defense Access Road (DAR) projects, totaling over $260 million, represent a historic investment in Guam’s transportation backbone and future readiness.
“Every village on Guam is connected by Route 1—and every resident depends on it,” said Acting Governor Tenorio. “This level of investment ensures we’re building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Guam today and for generations to come.”
The two projects will be executed in phases and are fully coordinated to minimize traffic disruption and maximize construction efficiency.
PROJECT 1: Route 1 Bridge Replacements from Hagåtña to Piti (DPW Project GU-DAR-0001(131))
Estimated Construction Cost: $82.5 million
Phase One Construction Begins: December 2025
Completion Estimate: 2027
This project will replace five functionally obsolete bridges along Route 1:
• Atantano Bridge (north of Navy Main Gate)
• Lagua Bridge (between Atantano and Sasa)
• Sasa Bridge (south of Route 18, near Polaris Point)
• Asan Bridge (at War in the Pacific Memorial Park)
• Fonte Bridge (near Pigo Cemetery)
These bridges were not built to handle the increasing weight and frequency of commercial and military vehicle traffic. The replacement will ensure long-term safety, increased load capacity, and resilience in the event of natural disasters.
PROJECT 2: Underpavement Infrastructure Retrofit from Naval Base to Camp Blaz (DPW Project GU-DAR-1000(113))
Estimated Construction Cost: $167 million
Construction Begins: October 2025
Completion Estimate: 2027–2028
This islandwide effort will strengthen approximately 33 lane-miles of pavement on Route 1 and Route 3 to support heavy vehicle traffic in both directions. Manhole and utility structure covers will also be reinforced to handle the demands of military and commercial transportation.
The project will be completed in two construction packages:
• Package A: Chamorro Village to Camp Blaz ($62 million)
• Package B: Navy Main Gate (Route 2A) to Chamorro Village ($105 million)
This effort also coincides with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) electrical hardening work and avoids overlaps with ongoing DPW bridge work to ensure efficient delivery.
Supporting Services and Investments
In addition to construction, more than $12.5 million is allocated for construction management, program oversight, design support, and right-of-way services. These efforts ensure professional execution and accountability from start to finish.
“Whether you live in Asan or Dededo, we are investing in the road you drive every day—and in the safety, economy, and future of our island,” Acting Governor Tenorio added.
The DAR program is a federal initiative to improve civilian roadways impacted by military growth. Funding for both projects comes via the U.S. Department of Defense and the Federal Highway Administration. Together, these projects represent Guam’s largest coordinated road infrastructure undertaking in over a generation.
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