The Christiansted Bypass

They began discussing it as a project back in the 1970’s, so it came as a surprise to St. Croix residents when actual construction began in 2007.  And then it was even more surprising when work was completed and the Christiansted bypass opened in January of this year.  


click on any photo to enlarge.

It cost US$37 million to carve out a 1.2-mile strip through a rocky hill on the outskirts of town.

Why was this project so significant that it wouldn’t die despite its exorbitant cost?  Because all traffic going to the eastern half of the island had no choice but to funnel through the narrow streets of downtown Christiansted.  It was a pain; it could take you an extra 5 to 10 minutes to get through!

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/30340475

Now we can reach the East End in first-world highway splendor.

  And there’s a lookout point to boot!