Route 36 (windward/chalan kalabera), PH. 1B

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $1,291,135.61 to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Works on August 19, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to complete Phase 1B of Route 36 (Windward/Chalan Kalabera). This project is a continuation of the Phase 1A improvements and extends approximately 1,000 feet from Kalabera Cave to the Bird Island Lookout. The deliverables include construction of a 12-foot-wide travel lane with 4.50-foot-wide shoulder and bike lane on each side, road drainage infrastructure, permanent traffic markers and signage, and related roadway appurtenances designed to create a complete, usable, and safe transportation facility.

The project is scheduled for completion by April 4, 2027, and represents the territorial government's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety across the Northern Mariana Islands. As a territory, the Northern Mariana Islands receives federal-aid highway funding through mechanisms similar to state administrations, with the territorial transportation agency functioning in a comparable role to a state department of transportation under the Highway Planning and Construction program.

Project description

The project is the continuation of route 36 1A and begins approximately +1000 feet from kalabera cave and end at the bird island lookout as shown in the drawings. The improvements include 12 feet wide travel lane, 4.50 FT. Wide shoulder/bike lane on each side and road drainage crossing, permanent traffic marker and signs and other roadway appurtenancies for a complete, usable and safe facility.