Military equipment will start rumbling across St. Croix on Wednesday, culminating Saturday when the V.I. National Guard holds an islandwide all-hazards training exercise.

The simulated exercise planned for Friday through Sunday is an opportunity for VING to test its ability to support the territory’s civilian authorities in the event of a disaster, if called upon by the governor, the National Guard said in a news release.

VING members and equipment will move throughout the island beginning Wednesday in preparation for and execution of the exercise.

The heaviest traffic will occur between midnight and 7 a.m. Saturday, the release said. Drivers should be aware that, while no roads will be closed, traffic will be heavier in that time period on these roads:

– Highway 75 (Northside Road) from La Grande Princesse to DC Canegata ballpark;
– Highway 70 (Queen Mary Hwy) from Sunny Isles to Hannah’s Rest;
– Highway 62 (Lowery Hill Road) from Sally’s Fancy to East End Road;
– Highway 83 from Southside Road to Beeston Hill;
– and Highway 82 (East End Road/Southshore Road) from Southgate to Camp Arawak.

VING members and equipment from St. Thomas will arrive Wednesday to participate in the exercise on St. Croix.

Camp sites will be set up at Paul E. Joseph Stadium, Lagoon, Camp Arawak, and D.C. Canegata ballpark, according to the news release.

Military vehicles and equipment will move along the following routes:
– Highway 66 (Melvin H. Evans Hwy) from Sunny Isles to Mahogany Road
– Highway 62 (Southside Road) from Mt. Washington to Sunny Isles;
– Highway 60 (Southshore Road) from Camp Arawak to Mt. Washington;
– Highway 82 (East End Road) from Mt. Washington to Lagoon;
– and Highway 69 from Melvin H. Evans Hwy/Paradise JCT to Estate Bethlehem.

The announcement issued Tuesday by VING Public Affairs Officer, 2nd Lt. Kirk Rojas carried the admonition: “We ask that the community be mindful when traveling in and around the camp sites. This is just an exercise; however, large equipment may be operating in those areas and safety is a priority."

Further information is available by calling Rojas at 1-340-712-7750 or sending him email at [email protected].