Above: the new airport gateway (BIS Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Bahamas has officially opened the new dual-lane gateway to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.

The project includes a four-lane carriageway, the construction of nine new roundabouts and the installation of electrical, cable and phone services.

The project was funded by the China Export-Import Bank following a contract signing in September 2010.

Chinese Ambassador to the Bahamas Hu Shan said the gateway demonstrated the Bahamas’ “image and strength.” He said China had attached great importance to the project.

“During the construction, the China Construction America Inc employed as many local workers as possible, made great contribution to both the local employment and economic development of the Bahamas,” Hu said.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said the new vista provided by the gateway would be a “delight” for Bahamians and visitors to the country.

Some landscaping work, signange installation and public art displays still need to be completed. The government said the project was “99 percent” complete.