Public-Private Partnership Accelerates Road Improvements on Route 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2026

Public-Private Partnership Accelerates Road Improvements on Route 17

Hagåtña, Guam — A unique public-private partnership is driving critical road improvements along Route 17, demonstrating how collaboration can accelerate infrastructure upgrades and deliver meaningful benefits to the community.

This project brings together the Office of the Governor, Department of Public Works (DPW) Highway Maintenance Crews (HMC), DPW contractor Hawaiian Rock Products (HRP), and private developer Samsung in a coordinated effort to rehabilitate one of Guam’s key roadways.

Under this collaborative approach, Samsung will address pavement failure areas from the solar farm to Baza Gardens, while DPW Highway Maintenance Crews will complete repairs along the remaining portion of Route 17, from Route 5 to the solar farm. Once these full and partial depth pavement repairs are completed, Hawaiian Rock Products will undertake roadway resurfacing, including milling three inches of existing pavement and replacing it with new asphalt base course and a one-inch asphalt friction course. Final improvements will include new striping and pavement markers to enhance safety and visibility.

“This project reflects the kind of smart, results-driven partnerships we need more of on Guam,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “By working collaboratively with private industry, we are able to move faster, stretch our resources further, and deliver safer, more reliable roads for our people.”

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio added, “Route 17 is a critical connector between northern and southern Guam, and improving it directly impacts daily commutes, safety, and economic activity. By aligning public and private resources, we’re able to move these much-needed improvements forward more efficiently.”

This effort represents the fifth task order under DPW’s Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) paving contract, a flexible contracting mechanism that has enabled the department to respond quickly to roadway repair needs across the island. Recent projects completed under this program include Route 8, Route 2A, Route 30A, and the ongoing Route 10 improvements.

“IDIQ has been a game changer for DPW,” said DPW Director Vince Arriola. “It gives us the flexibility to quickly deploy resources where they’re needed most and to bundle projects in a way that maximizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Through this partnership with the Governor’s Office, DPW, Hawaiian Rock Products and Samsung, we’re able to accelerate delivery and ensure high-quality results for the community.”

Valued at $9.7 million, this Phase 1 effort will rehabilitate approximately four miles of Route 17, with completion targeted for September 21, 2026, as part of a larger $20 million corridor improvement project. This initial phase includes milling approximately 53,000 square yards of pavement, placing an estimated 9,000 tons of asphalt base course and 3,000 tons of asphalt friction course, and installing new striping and pavement markers.

The remaining sections of Route 17 will be completed under a future phase through DPW’s next IDIQ paving contract for approximately six miles of road improvements.

Through this partnership-driven approach, DPW continues to advance its mission of improving Guam’s transportation infrastructure while delivering safer, smoother roads for the community.

The remaining sections of Route 17 will be completed under DPW’s next IDIQ paving contract, ensuring the full corridor receives long-term improvements.

Through this partnership-driven approach, DPW continues to advance its mission of improving Guam’s transportation infrastructure while delivering safer, smoother roads for the community.
 

---