September 6, 2018
“This is a long time coming. In order for us to improve, we need to come out (working together) for the community.”
– Frank Benavente, Barrigada resident and Municipal Planning Council Member
Hagåtña – Barrigada residents heralded fixes to roads along some of Guam’s main thoroughfares, including Route 8, and improvements to the Canada-Toto Loop Road intersection.
The project involves replacement of existing distressed or failed asphalt wearing surface along Route(s) 1, 8, 10, 16, and 8A in the villages of Piti, Asan, Dededo, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, and Barrigada.
“Today we celebrate another milestone and achievement. We continue to make these improvements to ensure the safety of our community on the roads. By putting up signs and traffic lights, it will be a major improvement to this section of road,” said Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio.
The work at Canada-Toto Loop Road intersection includes the installation of traffic and street lights, pavement marking/striping, and new hot asphalt concrete pavement. The major work elements include: the installation of traffic poles with mast arms and light standards, electrical service drop for the traffic signals, detection loops and signal cables, pedestrian push button pedestal, guardrail extensions/installations, land and island re-striping within the Route 8 portion of the intersection, and pedestrian crosswalk and lane turning arrow marking within Canada-Toto Loop Road; traffic control/staging; widening of Canada-Toto Loop Road at the Route 8 intersection; milling and hot asphalt concrete overlay; guardrail and curb installation; erosion control; and other required and related work.
“Vice Mayor Jessie Bautista and I never gave up. We are thankful to the Calvo-Tenorio administration for never giving up on this project. It means safety for all motorists. We are also especially thankful for the Manglona and Cruz families who agreed to give a portion of their property for an intersection light at the Toto – Canada loop. It reassures the safe transporting of the children to school,” said Barrigada Mayor June Blas.
The total cost for this project was $8.4 million.
“This was a federal highway project of about $8 million and the majority of the work is along Route 8 and the Toto – Canada intersection. We are also in the process to bid for Route 14, which is the Chalan San Antonio road. I want to thank the Governor for supporting us as we complete these projects that improve highway safety,” said DPW Director Glenn Leon Guerrero said.
“This is a long time coming,” Benavente said.