Ongoing Effort to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Western Jamaica

The Government is working to reduce traffic congestion caused by ongoing road rehabilitation and water pipeline replacement projects across western Jamaica, particularly ahead of the winter tourist season.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, informed that the Government is working with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other agencies to improve the management of traffic, while correcting longstanding infrastructure issues.

Mr. Morgan was addressing a stakeholder engagement meeting, held at Pier 1 in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (November 10).

He acknowledged the inconvenience being experienced by motorists, businesses and residents because of the ongoing works, noting that the Government is cognisant of the impact on the tourism sector.

The Minister pointed out that much of the work became necessary due to decades of inadequate investment in critical infrastructure.

“So, the reality is that a big part of the challenge we face is that we have underinvested in our [road] infrastructure for many decades. We have [ also] underinvested in our water infrastructure,” he noted.

Mr. Morgan further added that the North Coast Highway is some 25 years old and has not undergone comprehensive rehabilitation, resulting in the deterioration of several sections.

He said the Government aims to rehabilitate sections of the highway from Montego Bay to Negril, while pursuing road expansion and bypass projects to improve traffic movement.

The Minister outlined that the ongoing rehabilitation in Lucea, Hanover, has presented challenges because of limited alternative routes for motorists.

Mr. Morgan said that despite the inconvenience, the rehabilitation works are necessary to prevent further deterioration of the road network.

He also noted that the Government intends to reopen the road corridor between Ironshore and West Green Avenue in St. James on December 10, while measures are being pursued to address traffic problems along Long Hill in the parish.

Mr. Morgan outlined that additional police personnel are assisting with traffic management along affected corridors.

For his part, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, said that ongoing pipeline replacement works form part of the Western Resilience Water Project, which is designed to strengthen water security across western Jamaica.

He noted that the first phase, valued at approximately US$170 million, involves replacing 67 kilometres of transmission pipelines, including sections between the Martha Brae Water Treatment Plant in Trelawny and Montego Bay, as well as along the western corridor towards Negril.

Minister Samuda highlighted that the project aims to address ageing infrastructure and improve the reliability of water supply to households, businesses and tourism facilities.

He stated that the project is six months into execution, with another 18 to 20 months of pipeline installation anticipated.

He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the works, and noted that consideration is being given to working at night in areas where doing the work in the daytime would compound traffic challenges.

“Why aren’t we doing all work at night? Because it’s 50 per cent more expensive. So, there are certain crossings and certain areas that we know will be particularly disruptive. We will indeed ensure that the work is done at night and we will work with you,” Mr. Samuda assured.

He informed that the second phase of the pipeline project is set to begin in May of next year and will include upgrades to the Martha Brae and Great River treatment plants.

“This is particularly important, because we expect to add an additional 10 million gallons a day to the distribution lines,” the Minister outlined.

He added that the wider programme involves some US$450 million in water and wastewater infrastructure investment, aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of the water supply system across western Jamaica.