SAIPAN — The Commonwealth broke ground Tuesday on the full realignment and reconstruction of Route 310 (Mount Tapochau Road), a 2.1-mile project funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The $9,880,998 contract was awarded to GPPC, with a notice to proceed issued October 1 and a target completion date of March 22, 2027 (360 working days).
Department of Public Works Secretary Ray Yumul said the scope moves the roadway fully into the right-of-way and includes grading, utility relocations (including power poles), new pavement sections, drainage improvements, signage, and striping.
Governor David M. Apatang thanked USDOT/FHWA for the funding and publicly challenged GPPC to beat the schedule, emphasizing a safer, faster corridor to Saipan’s most iconic lookout. He also called for a 25 mph speed limit on the climb with active enforcement.
House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez called Mount Tapochau one of Saipan’s “crown jewels,” saying the rebuild will cut repair costs for ridge residents and improve visitor access. Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho highlighted recurring washouts and liability concerns on the current road, calling the project a long-term savings for the municipality.
The ceremony drew a large turnout from the administration and legislature, including Reps. B.J. Attao, J.P. Sablan, Ralph Yumul, Joe Flores, Angelo Camacho, and agency heads from Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections and others.
Once complete, officials said the new Route 310 will improve emergency access, support the annual Good Friday pilgrimage, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. DPW also signaled ribbon cuttings and activity on other corridors, including Airport Road, the roundabout, and the Bird Island route.
