$106 Million Allocated for Arterial Roads

Arterial roads will receive some attention in the new fiscal year, through the provision of $106 million to the Ministry of Transport and Works, to improve the road network linking major towns.
As set out in the Estimates of Expenditure tabled in the House of Representatives on March 25, the bulk of the money – $97.5 million – will go to the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) for payment to Trans Jamaica Highway Limited for the delay in approving the new toll rates, and for the opening up of the toll road to the public on December 1, 2009 during a fire at Wray and Nephew Limited, Spanish Town Road, Kingston.
Meanwhile, $4.5 million has been provided to facilitate the payment of unsettled land claims on the Old Harbour Bypass road project. This project was originally funded through the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and has been completed. The Ocho Rios Road Development will receive $4.2 million, also to pay for unsettled land claims.
Arterial roads relate to the network of main roads and highways that link the island’s parish capitals, and comprise some 809 kilometres of roads as well as bridges, culverts, walls and associated structures.