ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 25, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) advises the public that the next phase of the Queen Street (Feeder 1A) Underground Electrical Project will begin Monday, August 31, 2026, and will advance construction along Queen Street (Fred Thomas Drive) in Christiansted.
Beginning August 31, Queen Street will be closed between Market Street (Torve Gade) and Prince Street to allow crews to safely continue construction. Westbound traffic will be detoured south onto Prince Street, west along East Street, north on Market Street, and back onto Queen Street. Motorists are encouraged to use caution, follow posted detours, slow down, and obey traffic control personnel while traveling through the construction area.
To safely complete this phase of the project, construction will occur Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
As construction advances, WAPA asks motorists to remove vehicles parked within active construction zones before work reaches the area. Vehicles remaining in closed sections may be towed at the owners’ expense. The Authority also requests that abandoned or inoperable vehicles along Queen Street be removed as soon as possible to support safe and efficient construction.
Businesses will remain open throughout the project, and pedestrian access to homes and commercial properties will be maintained. Roadside parking, however, may be temporarily limited near active work areas.
The $5.3 million FEMA-funded project, which began construction on July 27, 2026, is replacing overhead electrical infrastructure along Queen Street with a new underground electrical system designed to improve service reliability and strengthen the grid against severe weather. Funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), the project is part of WAPA’s ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the territory’s electrical infrastructure. The project is expected to continue into early 2027.
WAPA appreciates the support and cooperation of residents and businesses as this infrastructure improvement moves forward.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.