Christiansted Bypass Renamed After Longtime DPW Veteran Behind Point Udall, St. John Roundabout, and Long Bay Projects
Aloy "Wenty" Nielsen’s contributions celebrated, including work on Point Udall and St. John Roundabout
2024-05-22 17:03:40 - VI News Staff
Tuesday’s road-naming ceremony, coming as it did during National Public Works Week, could not have been better timed, as the man in the spotlight has dedicated much of his adult life to this very field of service. Aloy “Wenty” Nielsen, according to Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel, has had “his fingerprints all over the Department for over 30 years.” And now, the lookout on the Christiansted Bypass bears his name.
Mr. Nielsen’s legacy of service in helping to create public infrastructure has spanned all three islands. Mr. Gabriel named the construction at Point Udall on St. Croix, a roundabout on St. John, and the Long Bay Revitalization on St. Thomas as just three of many examples.
“It’s really the volume of work over his lifetime is what we’re really honoring,” said Jomo McClean, DPW’s Highway Program Management and MC for the ceremony. “Without his vision, his patience, his leadership, you know, maybe we would not be here today,” Mr. McClean continued, noting how Mr. Nielsen’s key role in fostering a positive relationship with key federal partners has allowed the department access to funds for larger projects such as the very bypass that now bears his name.