$2B budgeted for road upgrades, including Heroes Highway, Schoonard to Crane

The government has budgeted $2 billion this year for a series of road upgrades and expansion works, including sections of the Heroes Highway and the West Coast Demerara corridor, as part of its ongoing infrastructure programme.

During consideration of the estimates, the responsible minister confirmed that the allocation will fund asphalt overlay works from Schoonard to Crane, covering approximately 7.1 kilometres, as well as along the Heroes Highway for 11.7 kilometres. Combined, the two projects account for 18.8 kilometres of road rehabilitation.

In addition to the recapping works, the minister disclosed that the same line item also caters for the commencement of a new highway from Schoonard to Parika, stretching some 20.8 kilometres. A new access road from Leonora to Vriesland, about 7.7 kilometres long, is also slated for construction.

The disclosure came in response to questions from opposition members seeking clarity on allocations under the broad infrastructure heading, including whether specific provisions were made for works along the Heroes Highway corridor. While Phase Five of the Heroes Highway, from Land of Canaan to Soesdyke, is not budgeted for 2026, the minister indicated that the alignment for that extension has already been determined and that efforts are ongoing to identify financing.

The Heroes Highway was conceptualised to provide an alternative route linking the East Coast Demerara to the East Bank Demerara, easing traffic congestion and supporting new housing and commercial developments. Works along the West Coast corridor have also been framed as critical to improving connectivity between growing communities and economic hubs.

The $2 billion allocation signals continued focus on road expansion and rehabilitation as the government advances its broader infrastructure agenda.