Crews are dedicated to making steady progress with the “monumental task” of resurfacing the island, the Minister of Public Works said yesterday.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch highlighted how paving roads was a partnership project with public service providers and noted that the completion of a priority section in Warwick was dependent on work to be carried out by Belco.

The energy company said its transmission upgrade project which is necessary to replace 40 per cent of the underground transmission cables, many of which are 50 years old, will resume this year until the work is completed.

Colonel Burch said: “Resurfacing the entire island is a monumental task that requires considerable investment.

“We are dedicated to making steady progress.

“Our goal is to improve Bermuda's roads for the safety and convenience of all who use them.”

He added: “Paving roads is a partnership between the ministry and those public service providers who trench roads with a view to laying their cables underground.

“Our schedule is based on their schedule, and we are working with these companies to accelerate their work where possible so that we can do our part.”

The Government said that work crew were focused on the westbound lane of Middle Road, from Verdmont Road to Flatts Hill on North Shore Road.

It added: “Weather permitting, this phase is projected to reach completion by October 25.

“Once finished, the team will shift attention to the eastbound lane.

“This next phase will commence following Link Bermuda's installation of its communication lines, with a target completion date of November 15.”

Colonel Burch said: “Middle Road in Warwick, between Pembroke Hamilton Club and Heron Bay, is in desperate need of paving and has been prioritised by the ministry.

“However, Belco has some critical work to do in this area and we want that work completed so that we can pave once and properly restore the area for the road-using public as soon as possible.”

He added: “We understand the frustrations that come with roadworks but these improvements are essential for the long-term benefit of our island.

“We appreciate the public's patience as we undertake these necessary upgrades.”

Shelly Leman, a managing director at Belco, said later that planned upgrades will ensure a more robust grid with less potential for faults.

She explained: “A project such as the current grid upgrade has never been undertaken to this scale since the 1950s, where there was significantly less traffic.

“Had the current project been done in individual sections, work could have taken as long as seven years to complete.

“However, working in several locations simultaneously means it’s taken just over three years to complete 75 per cent of the works.

“At Belco, we understand these upgrades cause delays and frustration for motorists.

“However, these upgrades are critical to ensuring a more reliable and adaptable grid that will serve us for many years to come.

“I would like to ask for the public’s understanding and patience as we complete these critical infrastructure upgrades that will ensure more secure energy for Bermuda.”

Key public works projects completed over the past year included resurfacing on South Road from The Reefs to the Fairmont Southampton, paving of Harrington Sound Road and improvements at the Collector’s Hill junction.

The Government said that an additional $1 million, received by the public works ministry after the Midyear Budget Review, will be used to pave and improve private roads across the island.

Motorists were urged to use caution and obey signs when travelling through construction areas.

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to include comments from Belco