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Freetown Interchange Is A Community Investment – Minister Vaz

By: , May 23, 2025
Freetown Interchange Is A Community Investment – Minister Vaz
Photo: The Vineyards Toll Plaza featuring the newly constructed TAG lane to the left of the canopy.
The Vineyards Toll Plaza featuring the newly constructed TAG lane to the left of the canopy.
Freetown Interchange Is A Community Investment – Minister Vaz
Photo: Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz fourth left), cuts the ribbon to open the Freetown Interchange on TransJam Highways in Freetown, Clarendon, on Thursday May 22). Joining him from left) are Custos of St. Catherine, Icylin Golding; Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin; Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Western, Everald Warmington; Chairman of the Toll Authority of Jamaica, William Shagoury; Chief Executive Officer, TransJam Group, Ivan Anderson; Chief Financial Officer, Susan Brown; Deputy Operations Manager, Mark Walker; Chief Operating Officer, Colin Murray; and Councillor for the Old Harbour Bay Division, Dr. Kurt Waul.
Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz (fourth left), cuts the ribbon to open the Freetown Interchange on TransJam Highways in Freetown, Clarendon, on Thursday (May 22). Joining him (from left) are Custos of St. Catherine, Icylin Golding; Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin; Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Western, Everald Warmington; Chairman of the Toll Authority of Jamaica, William Shagoury; Chief Executive Officer, TransJam Group, Ivan Anderson; Chief Financial Officer, Susan Brown; Deputy Operations Manager, Mark Walker; Chief Operating Officer, Colin Murray; and Councillor for the Old Harbour Bay Division, Dr. Kurt Waul.

The Full Story

The new Freetown Interchange on TransJam Highways is an investment in the development of the Clarendon community and surrounding areas, says Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz. 

He pointed out that the new interchange, which allows motorists to enter and exit the highway in both directions – east and west, will enhance connectivity. 

 “That might sound like a simple upgrade, but for residents and commuters from Freetown, Old Harbour, Sandy Bay and beyond, it means faster, safer and more convenient travel,” the Minister said.   “This new interchange is not just a traffic solution; it is a community investment. Better highway access increases property value, boosts local business activity, and enhances quality of life. This is how the Government grows a local economy,” he added. Minister Vaz was speaking at the ribbon-cutting for the Interchange and expansion of the Vineyards Toll Plaza on Thursday (May 22). 

The improvements are part of the overall upgrades to the TransJam Highways system.   

 Expansion of the Vineyards Toll Plaza includes additional lanes and system upgrades to accommodate increased traffic and provide a smoother experience for users. 

It will improve traffic flow, reduce wait times and ensure quicker passage even during the busiest rush periods. 

Minister Vaz said that the improvements to the highway network are a direct response by the Government and TransJamaican Highway Limited to the concerns of toll road users.

The works undertaken, which will ease the frustration and inconvenience faced by many commuters, represent real gains in mobility, efficiency, and national growth, he pointed out.

Minister Vaz commended TransJam Highways for its responsiveness and commitment to improving the highway experience. He also acknowledged the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) for its stewardship and strategic investments, which continue to drive national development goals.

Last Updated: May 23, 2025