Henry forges important arrangements with the toll road developers/operators

Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry, has forged a number of important arrangements with the developers and operators of the Highway 2000 toll network. The developments were finalised in discussions held last week during a tour of Segment 1B1 of the highway that is now under construction between Sandy Bay and May Pen in Clarendon.

Among the understandings reached is for the highway operators to establish protective netting to help prevent a mystery stoning phenomenon which has affected several vehicles from an overhead bridge on the Vineyards leg of the highway. The problem emerged earlier this year and is already being remedied.

Minister Henry noted the roughly US$30,000 cost to put in the protective netting, but indicated that anything to effectively safeguard motorists along the highway was worth considering as a necessary investment.

Additionally, the toll road stakeholders have agreed to underwrite the cost to bush and clean the verges of the roadway leading to the Sandy Bay entrance to the existing toll highway. The overgrown roadsides have been a source of discomfort for motorists and residents of the area for some time.

Similarly, the developers have confirmed plans to establish an additional toll lane to handle the anticipated increase in traffic flow relative to the spur to be established to provide quick and easy linkage between the toll highway and the Vervamfield development in nearby South West Clarendon.

Among other matters which the minister discussed with the highway stakeholders was the question of the employment opportunities on the construction of Segment 1B1. With all of 3,000 job applications coming in so far, he noted that the project could only accommodate between 250 and 275 workers. He expressed appreciation that the workers were receiving specialised training, which would benefit them in the future.

Minister Henry also noted a proposal to establish tyre threading mechanisms at strategic points of entry to the toll highway to prevent misuse of the network. However, he noted that there were a number of legal issues to be factored into the overall considerations.

“I am quite happy with the responsibility and understanding being demonstrated by the toll road operators and builders, who have been very co-operative,” said Minister Henry. “This augurs very well for the continued development and successful operation of the toll network going forward, which is very important to the economic development of the country,” he added.

The minister urged caution among motorists in using the toll highways, noting that excessive speeding and other irresponsible driving habits were being advised against, as the country seeks to minimise the incidence and impact of road crashes.