March 18, 2011 No. 5/11-BD CDB TO FINANCE NORTHERN HIGHWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR BELIZE The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is to provide a technical assistance loan equivalent to USD350,000 to the Government of Belize, to assist in financing the services of consultants to prepare a feasibility study and detailed designs for a section of the Northern Highway. This highway is the arterial route which links northern Belize District, Corozal and the Orange Walk Districts to Belize City. It also provides access to the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. Traffic volumes for a section of the highway, from the Airport Junction to Haulover Bridge, have increased faster than anticipated, resulting in congestion. In addition, significant residential developments are in progress or planned in adjacent areas, and this will likely contribute to further traffic growth. Consultants will be engaged to assist in identifying the options and best approaches to upgrade this section of the Northern Highway, and to prepare detailed designs in order to facilitate appraisal and financing of a capital project.