The long road to better roads just got longer

A new asphalt plant, originally aimed for operation in April 2025, is now delayed without a completion date.

We are going to be getting a better model than was ordered – because the manufacturer has identified problems with the original model.

Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment, advised this morning that the timeline to install a new asphalt plant is again being revised, after it had already been changed from spring 2025 to quarter 1 of this year.

The project was initially delayed when the owners of Rosewood Tucker’s Point showed interest in the nearby site of the Government Quarry – the current location of the asphalt plant.

That matter concluded without agreement in April this year. However, Astec Industries, the manufacturer of the new asphalt plant, advised Government that there were “technical concerns” with the model of plant that Bermuda had purchased.

Astec told the Government that “those concerns became apparent through the operation of the same model in other jurisdictions”, and were not known to them when the original purchase agreement was signed.

Minister Adams said an agreement “in principle” has been reached for a different asphalt plant.

He adds that “Astec advises that this replacement would ordinarily cost approximately $1.2 million more than the original model, and that the additional plant cost will not be passed on to the Government.

“Overall, this will allow Bermuda to obtain a higher-value plant at no additional cost”

Minister Adams said that components for the original plant that had already shipped are also suitable for the replacement plant. The remaining components are still to be manufactures at Astec’s location in Tennessee, USA.

An amended agreement is still to be signed, and a manufacturing and installation schedule will follow.

“I recognise that residents want a firm completion date”, Minister Adams said, particularly after earlier targets have changed.”

“I will do my best to ensure the next date we provide reflects an achievable programme supported by confirmed arrangements.”

The Minister reiterated that the Government’s asphalt plant is more than 20 years old and is increasingly unreliable.

New road paving equipment arrived in May 2025 – a milling machine, an asphalt paver, and a shuttle buggy.

The paver and miller have been widely used for ongoing road improvement works around the island.

However, the shuttle buggy,a material transfer vehicle, is now being returned to Astec after been judged unsuitable for our roads.

The continued delay in utilising the shuttle buggy over the last 18 months prompted ongoing questions from media and the public about its operability on our roads.

In February this year, Government told Bermuda Broadcasting that the machine had not been utilised because “operational sequencing and technical preparations remain ongoing”.

However, Minister Adams today conceded that the shuttle buggy’s practicality is limited in Bermuda.

“Its operating weight is approximately twice that of the largest piece of paving equipment currently used by the Ministry”, he said, a particular problem in areas where roads are supported by ageing retaining walls or bordered by vulnerable infrastructure.

An assessment identified locations where use of the shuttle buggy would be constrained. “Although it could operate successfully in some areas”, the Minister said, “those restrictions would significantly limit its usefulness across our road network.”

Manufacturer Astec has agreed “in principle’ to accept the return of the shuttle buggy at its original purchase price, “less shipping, inspection and refurbishment costs.”

Estimated net credit is approximately $700,000, subject to the final arrangements.

Regarding the delayed asphalt plant, and the change to the model, Minister Jache Adams stressed that there has not been any additional cost to taxpayers, and Bermuda will ultimately receive “a higher valued plant at no additional cost.”

Minister Adams also highlighted that road improvement works are ongoing, even without the new plant, citing completed works on Middle Road, the Shelley Bay stretch on North Shore Road, and the detour route to support the construction of the Swing Bridge in St. George’s.

He said the next stages of the paving programme include the completion of resurfacing on Middle Road between Camp Hill and Longford Road, and from the Lighthouse Road junction towards Camp Hill. The works in Hamilton Parish will continue eastward from the entrance of Shelly Bay Beach to the Causeway.

Minister Adams concluded, “I recognise that the public has waited longer than expected for the new asphalt plant, and thus residents deserve a clear explanation of what has changed.

“The revised arrangements would secure a higher value plant at no additional cost… Our next task is to finalise those arrangements and confirm a realistic delivery and commissioning schedule.”