Coastal Highway (Belize): Difference between revisions
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Template:Roads in Belize}} |
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[[Category:Roads in Belize]] |
[[Category:Roads in Belize]] |
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Revision as of 15:22, 14 June 2023
| Coastal Highway | |
|---|---|
| Manuel Esquivel Highway | |
 | |
| Route information | |
| Length | 36.17 mi (58.21 km) |
| Major junctions | |
| From | Hope Creek, Stann Creek District |
| To | La Democracia, Belize District |
| Location | |
| Country | Belize |
| Villages | Mullins River, Gales Point |
| Highway system | |
The Coastal Highway is a major highway in eastern Belize. It runs from the Hummingbird Highway in Hope Creek, Stann Creek District north to the George Price Highway in La Democracia, Belize District. This is a distance of 36.17 miles (58.21 km).
As of September 23, 2020, the highway's official name is the Manuel Esquivel Highway, named for Sir Manuel Amadeo Esquivel, the former Prime Minister of Belize and leader of the United Democratic Party.[1] Locally, it is also known as the Shortcut, as the Coastal Highway shortens the route from Belize City to Dangriga by 29.1 miles (46.8 km), and was largely utilized by large trucks avoiding the extra distance on the George Price Highway and Hummingbird Highway via Belmopan.
Before being renamed, the highway was known as the Manatee Highway, named for the Manatee Forest Reserve that lies to the west of the road.
History
The Coastal Highway's surface was originally constructed from gravel or dirt, and frequently washed out during the rainy season. Some bridges were constructed from wood and were wide enough to allow only one vehicle at a time.
Starting in 2016, the government of Belize developed a plan to upgrade the road to a bituminous surface. The Caribbean Development Bank provided a BZ$73.2 million (US$36.6 million) loan, while the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund granted BZ$68 million (US$34 million). The Government of Belize provided BZ$17.2 million (US$8.6 million). The total cost of the project was BZ$158.4 million (US$79.2 million).[2] Six new bridges were built, with four additional bridges rehabilitated.[3][4]
Politecnica, an engineering firm based in Modena, Italy provided technical designs in 2018-2019 for the project.[5] Contracts for the construction were awarded to Imer Hernandez Development Company Limited, and construction began in February 24, 2020. As of 2023, most of the project is complete.[2]
References
- ^ "New Buildings and Roads to be Named after Belizean Patriots". Channel 5 Belize. 2020-09-23. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ a b "New Coastal Highway upgrade to commence". Belize Breaking News. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ "Sixth Road (Coastal Highway Upgrading) Project". Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ "Belize Project Profile: Coastal Highway Upgrading". Caribbean Development Bank. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
- ^ "New Coastal Highway". Politecnica. Retrieved 2023-06-14.