ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES GUIDE - MHWCRRP St. Lucia

The Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction Project (MHWCRRP) is defined by its strong Commitment to Inclusive Infrastructure, aiming to ensure that upgraded roads serve ALL users safely and comfortably. This dedication extends specifically to people with disabilities, mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments, and those using assistive devices. The entire project adheres to international Universal Design Principles, meaning the infrastructure is engineered for Equitable Use, Flexibility, Intuitive understanding, and low physical effort.
Key Accessibility Features are being systematically implemented across the corridor. For pedestrians, this includes constructing Accessible Sidewalks that feature wide, level walking surfaces, non-slip materials, and clear pathways. Pedestrian Crossings are upgraded with crucial curb cuts at intersections and tactile paving for visual guidance. Public Bus Stops & Lay-Bys are designed with accessible boarding areas and level platforms for wheelchairs, along with enhanced shelter and seating options. Vehicle access is addressed through the installation of designated accessible parking spaces and clear pathways connecting parking areas to sidewalks.
The project enforces these inclusion standards through continuous stakeholder engagement and training. Project teams completed Disability Inclusion Training in early 2025, and maintain partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) for ongoing consultation and site evaluations. Furthermore, the project guarantees maintained access during construction by providing alternative walkways, clear signage, and temporary ramps where needed.
Specific milestones underscore this commitment: new accessible sidewalks and bus lay-bys with accessible boarding have been completed on Lot 1 (La Toc to Cul-de-Sac). Accessible sidewalk construction and bridge approaches are ongoing or planned for the Cul-de-Sac to Soufrière lots and the Anse La Raye Bridge. Community input is crucial for compliance; concerns regarding blocked accessible routes or damaged features can be reported via the Accessibility Hotline [phone]. The long-term goal is a fully accessible transportation corridor that enhances safety and reduces travel barriers for independent mobility.

1. ♿ ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES GUIDE
Millennium Highway & West Coast Road Reconstruction
Project
PROJECT PARTNERS:
?????? OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE
INFRASTRUCTURE
"Infrastructure that works for people with disabilities works better for everyone."
This project ensures that upgraded roads serve ALL users safely and comfortably, including
people with disabilities, mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments, and those using
assistive devices.
??????️
NEW ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES BEING
INSTALLED
?????? PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
ACCESSIBLE SIDEWALKS
Wide, level walking surfaces
Smooth transitions at intersections
Non-slip materials for safety
Clear of obstacles and barriers
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Curb cuts at all intersections
Tactile paving for visual guidance
Appropriate crossing signals
Safe crossing distances

2. BUS STOPS & LAY-BYS
Accessible boarding areas
Level platforms for wheelchairs
Shelter and seating options
Clear sight lines for safety
?????? VEHICLE ACCESS
IMPROVED ROAD SURFACES
Smooth, well-maintained pavement
Reduced vibration and bumps
Better drainage to prevent flooding
Clear lane markings and signage
PARKING & ACCESS POINTS
Designated accessible parking spaces
Easy access to sidewalks
Adequate space for vehicle modifications
Clear pathways to destinations
?????? DESIGN STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT
UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Our project follows international accessibility standards to ensure:
EQUITABLE USE - Useful to people with diverse abilities
FLEXIBILITY - Accommodates preferences and abilities
SIMPLE & INTUITIVE - Easy to understand regardless of language or experience
PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION - Communicates effectively to all users
TOLERANCE FOR ERROR - Minimizes hazards of accidental actions
LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT - Efficient and comfortable to use
SIZE & SPACE - Appropriate for approach and use
COMMUNITY INPUT PROCESS
March 6-7, 2025: Disability inclusion training completed for project teams
Ongoing assessments include:

3. Site evaluations by persons with disabilities
Partnership with National Council for Persons with Disabilities
Design audits to ensure universal accessibility standards
Regular consultation throughout the corridor
?????? ACCESSIBLE ROUTES DURING CONSTRUCTION
MAINTAINED ACCESS
We guarantee continued access during construction:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ ?????? PEDESTRIAN
Alternative walkways provided • Clear signage to Accessible ACCESS
routes • Temporary ramps where needed • Safe crossing points
maintained
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ ?????? VEHICLE ACCESS │
• Alternative routes clearly marked • Accessible parking maintained
│ • Smooth temporary surfaces • Emergency access available
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
CONSTRUCTION IMPACT MINIMIZATION
Advance notice of access changes
Alternative routes always available
Temporary accessibility features during work
Priority restoration of accessible paths
?????? ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT & REPORTING
REPORT ACCESSIBILITY CONCERNS
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ ?????? ACCESSIBILITY
HOTLINE [phone]
Community Liaison Officer : [email protected]
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

4. WHEN TO REPORT:
Blocked accessible routes or sidewalks
Missing or damaged accessibility features
Unsafe conditions for people with disabilities
Inadequate signage or guidance
Suggestions for improvements
WHAT TO INCLUDE:
Specific location (address or landmark)
Type of accessibility issue
Your contact information for follow-up
Photos if helpful and safe to take
?????? CURRENT ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS
LOT 1: LA TOC TO CUL-DE-SAC
✅ New accessible sidewalks completed
✅ Improved pedestrian crossings installed
✅ Bus lay-bys with accessible boarding
?????? Ongoing: Enhanced lighting for visibility
LOT 2A/3A/3B: CUL-DE-SAC TO SOUFRIÈRE
?????? Ongoing: Accessible sidewalk construction
?????? Ongoing: Improved drainage systems
?????? Planned: New accessible bus stops
?????? Planned: Enhanced crossing signals
LOT 2B: ANSE LA RAYE BRIDGE
?????? Ongoing: Accessible bridge approaches
?????? Ongoing: Improved pedestrian facilities
?????? Planned: Accessible viewing areas
?????? Planned: Enhanced safety features
Legend: ✅ Complete | ?????? In Progress | ?????? Planned

5. ?????? PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCESSIBILITY
IMPROVED BUS FACILITIES
New accessible features include:
Level boarding platforms
Adequate space for wheelchairs and mobility devices
Clear sight lines for safety
Weather protection (shelters)
Appropriate lighting for evening use
ROUTE ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible pathways to all bus stops
Clear signage with route information
Safe waiting areas away from traffic
Connection points to sidewalk network
?????? ACCESSIBILITY TIPS DURING CONSTRUCTION
FOR PEDESTRIANS WITH DISABILITIES:
Plan your route - check for construction updates
Allow extra time for alternative routes
Use designated accessible paths - avoid shortcuts through work zones
Report problems immediately - don't wait for issues to resolve
FOR DRIVERS WITH DISABILITIES:
Check parking availability at destinations before traveling
Be aware of temporary route changes that may affect access
Drive slowly in construction zones - surfaces may be uneven
Ask for assistance if needed navigating temporary routes
FOR FAMILY & CAREGIVERS:
Stay informed about accessibility updates
Plan alternative transportation if needed
Advocate for accessibility - report problems you observe
Share information with others who may be affected

6. ?????? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & CONTACTS
PROJECT INFORMATION
Main Project Office: [phone]
Website: www.mhwcrrpstlucia.org
Email Updates: Subscribe for accessibility announcements
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
National Council for Persons with Disabilities
Partnership for ongoing consultation
Advocacy and support services
Community resource information
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency: 999 or 911
Non-emergency assistance: Contact project office during business hours
?????? LONG-TERM ACCESSIBILITY BENEFITS
WHEN PROJECT IS COMPLETE:
Fully accessible transportation corridor from Castries to Soufrière
Universal design features benefiting all road users
Improved connectivity for people with disabilities
Enhanced safety through better lighting and signage
Reduced travel barriers for independent mobility
Economic opportunities through improved access
♿ BUILDING ACCESSIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR EVERYONE ♿
This project demonstrates Saint Lucia's commitment to inclusive development. Accessible
infrastructure benefits everyone - from parents with strollers to delivery workers to visitors with
temporary mobility challenges.
YOUR FEEDBACK MAKES A DIFFERENCE - CONTACT US TODAY