Work on Mt. Rosser Bypass to Start in June

A Variation Order facilitating the construction of the Mt. Rosser Bypass from Linstead to Moneague was signed at Jamaica House this afternoon (May 3) between the Government of Jamaica and Trans Jamaica/Bouygues Construction Company. Work on the J$7 Billion roadway will commence in June and should be completed over a 30 month period.
On Tuesday (May 1) during her contribution to the 2007 Budget Debate, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announced the construction of the bypass road to ease the congestion and lengthy delays often encountered along Mt. Rosser. She said the accelerated development taking place along the north coast and the expansion of the tourism industry, provided added impetus for the construction of the roadway.
Speaking at the signing, the Prime Minister said the Highway 2000 project and other associated road development programmes have already had a positive impact on the country’s infrastructure and social and economic progress. She said Highway 2000 not only links major economic centres, cities and towns through a modern and efficient road network, but it also serves as a catalyst for economic development.
Mrs. Simpson Miller stressed the importance of involving the affected communities in the consultation process, adding that they must be made aware of the development and any possible inconveniences they may experience during the construction period. She stressed that where possible, every effort should be made to use local labour, in particular residents from surrounding communities.
In the meantime, Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company, Ivan Anderson said the Mt. Rosser Bypass is one of five sections of roadway to be built under phase two of the highway development project linking Spanish Town to Ocho Rios. Other segments include Spanish Town to Bog Way, Bog Walk to Linstead, Moneague to Golden Grove and Golden Grove to Ocho Rios. With the exception of Bog Walk to Linstead and Moneague to Golden Grove, all other sections of the North/South Link will be tolled.
Funding for the project is provided jointly between the Government of Jamaica and the European Commission.