Above: US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh (right) (Photo: OG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh has signed a contract to design a new paved road project on the west side of St Thomas.

The Bordeaux Bay road works project will be designed by global consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff following the approval of a $705,709 contract .

The development will convert Route 318, which is used largely by farmers on the island’s west end, from a dirt road into a 2.3-mile thoroughfare.

“The Bordeaux Bay project will improve access to west end farming and residential communities on St Thomas, better serving those areas and the needs of their residents,” de Jongh said.

Parsons Brinckheroff will develop right-of-=way and environmental documents, along with plans for the project.

The design phase is set for completion in May 2013. A contractor will then be hired to launch construction on the project.