A 4.8 km bypass project between Xavier and Pierrefonds, estimated at around Rs 1 billion, has been subject to an environmental impact study to improve traffic to the West.
Mauritius’ road infrastructure is about to take a new step. The Road Development Authority (RDA) officially submitted its environmental impact assessment (EIA) report to the Ministry of the Environment at the end of last week for a major project linking Xavier to Pierrefonds. The document concerns the construction of a bypass over a distance of 4.8 kilometers, for an estimated cost between Rs 950 million and Rs 1.4 billion.
This project is part of the government strategy to establish an East-West corridor, intended to strengthen connectivity between the center of the island and the western coastal region. The proposed route will connect the Black River Road (A3) in Xavier to the new La Vigie–La Brasserie–Beaux Songes road in Pierrefonds, currently under construction.
The project includes the construction of a single-lane main roadway, which could later be widened into a double lane, as well as several related developments: a grade-separated interchange at Xavier, three roundabouts, a culvert of approximately 75 meters above the Rivière du Rempart, raised sidewalks, a cycle path, drainage systems, as well as road safety and lighting equipment.
The impact study, carried out by the VYYAASS Consulting Engineer Ltd firm in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act of 2002 and international standards, highlights both positive and negative effects.
According to the non-technical summary of the EIA, the infrastructure will be carried out mainly on agricultural land belonging to the Medina group, for a total area of approximately 207 acres. The closest residential areas are Xavier, Cascavelle and Beaux Songes, which should directly benefit from the project in terms of accessibility. Ultimately, it should enable a reduction in travel time to the West and help relieve congestion on the Palma Road (B2), which is currently in high demand.
The report highlights a broader economic impact, with improved accessibility to major tourist areas such as Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin or Le Morne. It also anticipates land development of the agricultural land concerned, likely to encourage real estate and commercial developments. On the other hand, a loss of agricultural land is expected, as well as a possible decline in activity for certain small businesses located along the B2.
On the environmental level, the main negative impacts identified concern the construction phase, in particular noise pollution, dust emissions and the production of solid waste. A change in the aesthetics of the landscape is also anticipated during the operational phase. However, the report highlights that these effects
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