Musgrove Responds to Road Concerns in Cheshire Hall, Blue Hills and Wheeland

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructural Development Hon. Arlington Musgrove

In the wake of residents of Cheshire Hall, Blue Hills and Wheeland, also classified as Districts 7, 8, and 10 respectively, raising mounting concerns about the conditions of roadways and critical infrastructure in their communities, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development has sought to offer an update on planned works in those areas.

In a detailed statement, Minister Musgrove acknowledged the frustrations expressed in an open letter circulated by residents and emphasized that their voices have been heard. He highlighted the importance of safe, reliable road networks to daily life, community accessibility, and the dignity of neighbourhoods, assuring the public that tangible improvements are underway.

“Since my government took office merely seven months ago and with the passing of the FY 2025–2026 budget, the Ministry has undertaken the largest targeted roadworks investment in recent memory,” Musgrove stated.

He added: “This $50 million island-wide programme will not only address urgent needs but also deliver medium- and long-term solutions to build safer, longer-lasting roads for tomorrow.”

Roads Highlighted for Immediate Action

The Minister explained that work on the Snake Hill Road in Blue Hills is progressing, with detailed scoping and cost estimates now being finalized by the Public Works Programme Management Department. Once completed, the project will move through the normal procurement process to ensure transparency and value for taxpayers.

He also confirmed that the Millennium Highway, between Walkin Gas Station and Boodle Way, which had been delayed last fiscal year due to funding constraints, has been redesigned and is now included in the 2025–2026 capital programme.

Meanwhile, urgent interim repairs are already advancing on the most deteriorated sections of the Millennium Highway, from Boodle Way to the Front Road Junction, particularly near Boodle Way and Wilson Circle. Full reconstruction will begin as soon as the procurement process is concluded.

Additionally, the minister said Norway Road, Walter Cox Drive, Turtle Creek Road, and the Blue Hills Sidewalks have been earmarked in the capital expenditure plan for 2025–2026. These projects will focus on delivering proper, long-term upgrades instead of temporary fixes.

Accountability and Public Confidence

To rebuild public trust, Musgrove outlined immediate steps his Ministry will take:

·        Quarterly Public Progress Updates – Regular updates on the status of major road projects, including those in ED7, ED8, and ED10.

·        Enhanced Interim Safety Measures – Expedited urgent repairs to hazardous road sections to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

·        Community Liaison Coordination – A dedicated Public Works liaison officer will work with local representatives, including Hon. Sammy Been and Hon. John Howell, to ensure concerns are logged, monitored, and addressed.

“Our vision is not to provide short-term patches but to deliver lasting, well-engineered infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing communities,” Musgrove affirmed.

He further noted:  “To the people of ED7, ED8, and ED10: I hear you. Your concerns are valid, and your safety is my priority. Together, we will see these projects delivered.”

The Minister’s statement follows months of community pressure and signals a commitment by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to advance long-awaited infrastructure improvements.