US$575-Million SCHIP 96% Complete

The US$575-million Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) is 96 per cent complete.

Two major components, Part A (May Pen to Williamsfield Toll Road Extension) and Part B (Harbour View to Yallahs Bridge, covering 17.4 kilometres (km) of a four-lane highway) is already open to the public.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, provided details during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 1).

“Works are progressing on the Yallahs to Port Antonio and Morant Bay to Cedar Valley legs, which span 123km of two-lane roadway,” Mr. Morgan said.

The Minister also informed that the Government is prioritising the US$81-million Port Antonio Bypass project to improve travel efficiency, reduce congestion, and support regional economic growth.

“We are working with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding, with work set to commence in the second quarter of this financial year. The bypass will span seven kilometres with a four-lane design and will provide an alternative route to ease congestion in Port Antonio’s town centre,” Mr. Morgan said.

He noted that each lane will be 3.5 metres wide, with 1.2-metre shoulders and a 1.8-metre-wide median Jersey barrier.

Additionally, the project includes two-lane link roads to improve access between central and western Port Antonio.

“Port Antonio is a critical hub for tourism and agriculture but suffers from chronic traffic congestion, unsafe pedestrian conditions, and limited connectivity. This project will play a key role in regional development by unlocking economic potential and enhancing mobility,” the Minister said.

He added that Cabinet will, on Monday (April 7), contemplate the Port Antonio bypass “and I am confident that it will have the support of the Cabinet so that it can commence in short order”.