Works starts on lower
Back Street Monday
PHILIPSBURG--Back Street residents living between Schoolsteeg and Tamarindesteeg will have to endure sand, dust and construction when the upgrading works start Monday. This section will be closed off to traffic for the next five months.
Work on this section of the street was slated to start later in the year. However, with the start of the Cannegieter Street and E.C. Richardson Street upgrading as well as the replacement of the breakwater bridge on Front Street in the offing, the schedule was revised, Head of New Projects Development and Planning Kurt Ruan told the press on the site Wednesday.
This third section will match the first two with brick paving, raised sidewalks, trees, streetlights and underground cables. Schoolsteeg, Manzanillasteeg and Tamarindesteeg will remain open during the construction for traffic moving between Cannegieter Street and Front Street.
Residents have been informed about the impending work, Ruan said.
Residential parking spaces are included for this area. The first two sections had only bus stops and drop-off zones, as the main activity there was commerce. The third section is lined by homes and a few businesses.
The entire Back Street project, initiated by Commissioner Theo Heyliger, started early this year, cost about NAf. 8.2 million, and is covered by the Island Government via a concession fee from Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities.
The first section of Back Street, from Plaza Olivia to Angelo’s Boutique, was upgraded and reopened in April. The second section is slated for completion at the end of August. The fourth and final section of the street will be upgraded next year.
Heyliger told The Daily Herald the street upgrading not only made the town look more inviting for residents and visitors, but also increased property values, a major plus for Back Street residents and owners.
