Students in over 30 schools in the Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie area and thousands of residents and road users in Guyana will benefit from the creation of a safer road network upon the completion of the recently launched USD 46.8 million West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project which is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The project includes approximately 30.7 kilometres of highway rehabilitation works; bridge replacement and repair; drainage works; and road safety works that install regulatory and warning signage, pavement markings and safety barriers along severe curves. In addition, pedestrians and cyclists will be separated from motorised traffic through several communities and additional street lighting will be provided. Mr. Andrew Dupigny, Division Chief, Economic Infrastructure Division, CDB, revealed the infrastructural elements of the project will be complemented by road safety sensitisation sessions. "It is important that road users are equipped with knowledge on how to safely utilise the roads. As such, the public education aspect of the project will provide educational sessions targeting the communities, drivers and schools. Highway development and management training will also be provided for the Work Services Group, Ministry of Public Works," he said. The West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project was officially launched on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana. The project is scheduled to be executed over a five-year period of five years, with tendering expected to commence in July. CAPTION: Caribbean Development Bank and Work Services Group representatives during a site visit to the Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie section of the West Coast Demerara Road.