As part of its continued commitment to improving roadway safety, mobility, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Public Works completed several critical infrastructure and road maintenance projects across St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas before the close of the year.
On St. Croix, DPW completed temporary repairs to the Route 7025 bridge connecting Frederiksted Town to Rainbow Beach, restoring safe and reliable access along a vital corridor. The work was completed as part of the Frederiksted Roads Project, funded through the 2015 GARVEE issuance, and was prioritized ahead of the upcoming Crucian Christmas Festival season to support increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
“Timing mattered on this project,” said DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel. “Completing these repairs ahead of the Crucian Christmas Festival season helps ensure safer movement for residents, vendors, and visitors during one of St. Croix’s most important cultural celebrations.”
DPW also announced that VI Paving successfully reopened the previously closed portion of Queen Mary Highway near K-Mart West, where culvert replacement work was underway. This project represents the final location completed under the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief (FHWA-ER) program, addressing infrastructure damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes.
“Reopening Queen Mary Highway marks the completion of a long and important chapter in our hurricane recovery efforts,” Gabriel said. “These improvements restore critical infrastructure while strengthening resilience for the future. More importantly, these repairs were fully funded by the Federal Highway Administration. No local funds were expended on these repairs.”
On St. John, DPW completed long-awaited road maintenance on Fish Fry Drive in Cruz Bay, improving roadway conditions in one of the island’s most heavily travelled areas. The work addressed surface deterioration, resulting in smoother travel and improved drainage for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“These are the kinds of improvements that people experience every day,” Gabriel added. “When roads function better, communities function better and people see meaningful progress.”
On St. Thomas, DPW concluded the Downtown Charlotte Amalie drainage and road repairs project, completing final milling and paving work on Norre Gade. Completing the project ahead of the peak tourism season was a key priority, helping to minimize disruptions while improving safety and roadway conditions in one of the Territory’s most historic and economically significant areas.
“Finishing this work before the height of the tourism season was essential,” Gabriel said. “Downtown Charlotte Amalie is a hub for residents, workers, and visitors, and these improvements enhance safety, reduce flooding risks, and support economic activity during our busiest months.”
Commissioner Gabriel credited DPW’s internal staff, contractors, and field crews for maintaining steady progress through the end of the year, preparing our islands for both tourism and festival seasons. “Completing projects across both districts reflects our commitment to consistent delivery and thoughtful planning,” he said. “Each improvement—whether large or small—directly supports safer travel, stronger communities, and a better quality of life for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
