ST. THOMAS — During the weekly briefing held today at Government House on St. Thomas, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. provided updates on major infrastructure projects, and highlighted several upcoming events across the territory.
The Governor announced that the solicitation period for two major public infrastructure projects officially opened on Friday, November 7, 2025, Phase 2 of the Veterans Drive Modernization Project and the Charlotte Amalie Harbor Dredging Project.
Phase 2 of the Veterans Drive project continues the transformation of the Charlotte Amalie waterfront into a safer, more walkable, and people-centered corridor. The improvements will include wider sidewalks for elders, residents with disabilities, and families with strollers; enhanced lighting and crosswalks that make evenings safer; and spaces designed to support vendors, artists, and small businesses. Governor Bryan said the goal is to create a waterfront that not only improves traffic flow but also encourages economic activity and enhances the quality of life for residents.
“This is about giving St. Thomas a waterfront that works for the people who live here,” Governor Bryan said. “A place that honors our history while improving everyday life and commerce.”
Joining the Governor at the briefing, Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel provided additional details on Phase 2 of the Veterans Drive Modernization Project and shared updates on other road and infrastructure projects throughout the territory.
On St. Thomas, Gabriel reported that the 1st Avenue Drainage Project and the Lindbergh Bay Culvert Repair Project are complete. In December, the Department of Public Works will begin the rehabilitation and paving of Julian Jackson Drive, from the airport turnoff to the University of the Virgin Islands. The department is also in the final phases of the Downtown Charlotte Amalie Drainage Rehabilitation Project, which involves work at 11 locations, and the Meader Place retaining wall in Bordeaux—both expected to be completed by the end of December.
On St. Croix, Gabriel said that the Peters Rest Paving Project has been completed and that Diamond Ruby paving is expected to be finished in December. The Leonardo Trotman Drive Project has been awarded and is scheduled to begin at the start of 2026. Temporary repairs to the Hams Bluff bridge are underway, while Mahogany Road paving continues. The lighting of the Melvin Evans Highway has been completed, improving safety for motorists traveling along that stretch.
Gabriel also provided details about the Charlotte Amalie Harbor Dredging Project, for which the invitation to bid opened on November 7, 2025. Bids are due by January 9, 2026, with evaluation and review by the Virgin Islands Port Authority to take place in January. The board is expected to award a contractor in February 2026. Dredging work is anticipated to begin in July 2026 and last approximately 13 months, with project completion expected by July 2027.
Governor Bryan also addressed upcoming community events and administrative matters. He noted that the Uber Soca Cruise will return to St. Thomas on Wednesday, November 19, featuring a Parade and Mini Food Fair, but emphasized that no administrative leave will be granted to government employees for the event. However, he announced that administrative leave will be granted on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving.
The Governor reminded residents of the Veterans Day Parades taking place tomorrow, November 11, on both St. Croix and St. Thomas, as the territory honors its veterans. He also encouraged the public to attend the Bordeaux Agricultural Fair on November 22, celebrating local farmers, culture, and the spirit of community that continues to strengthen the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan closed by thanking Virgin Islanders for their continued resilience and cooperation as his administration advances its goals of strengthening infrastructure, ensuring fiscal stability, and promoting sustainable community development throughout the territory.
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