Flyovers, also known as overpasses, are being considered as a possible solution to Cayman’s mounting traffic problems.
Government is seeking market information on modular bridges and elevated road infrastructure as part of its analysis of how to unclog the Islands’ roads.
The National Roads Authority had previously ruled out the possibility of a flyover at the Grand Harbour roundabout – arguably the most significant choke point on the commute to George Town.
Elevated highways have also previously been debated as a possibility for the planned extension to the East-West Arterial highway, which cuts through the Central Mangrove Wetlands. However, the environmental impact assessment for the project published in April 2025, did not consider elevated highway options for the route.
The request for expressions of interest, posted last week, does not identify specific projects or possible uses.
Katherine Smith, a senior policy advisor in the Ministry of Infrastructure, said the aim was to scope out the technology on offer and see if it could be an option for Cayman in future.
“Modular bridge systems are used internationally in a variety of settings and may offer potential benefits where traditional construction methods are challenging or where environmental sensitivities need to be carefully considered.
“The [expressions of interest] process is intended to assist government to better understand the capabilities, limitations and sustainability of these systems before any decisions are made regarding future projects.”
The Grand Harbour dilemma
The Grand Harbour area remains the most challenging bottleneck on Cayman’s roads.
A 2024 National Roads Authority corridor study examined the 1.5-mile stretch between the CUC and Chrissie Tomlinson roundabouts, Grand Cayman’s slowest commuter corridor. That report projected that without intervention, traffic will have slowed to walking pace along that route by 2036.
The study examined multiple options for the Grand Harbour roundabout, including eliminating it entirely in favour of signalised intersections. At that time engineers ruled out a flyover specifically, citing geometric constraints, construction impacts and cost.
Developments on both sides of the intersection leave little room for traditional elevated construction.
However modular and prefabricated systems are designed for such constrained environments suggesting the concept could be revisited if the technology proves viable in Cayman.
Participating firms are being invited to conduct site visits and preliminary discussions in Cayman between mid-June and mid-August.
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It works in NJ where there are no left turns on major roads The problem besides money of course is space It takes room to make an overpass. It does cut down on accidents and keeps traffic moving
Exactly where will the overpass roads come back to earth?.
The problem is not road leading into town… the problem is there is nowhere in town for cars to go!!! Stop making roads into town and fix the problems in town.