The Cabinet of Jamaica has approved the construction of the Port Antonio Bypass as a key component of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP).

This transformative infrastructure project will enhance mobility, support sustainable development, and strengthen climate resilience in the northeastern parish of Portland.

Cabinet has approved a variation to the existing SCHIP contract, valued at US$81 million, to facilitate Phase One of the bypass, which will stretch approximately 7 kilometres from Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour.

Additionally, the project will be executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), with implementation oversight by the National Works Agency (NWA).

Cabinet also approved the acquisition of approximately 205 parcels of land, inclusive of 143 structures, at an estimated cost of J$521.5 million. This will enable the necessary right-of-way for construction.

The bypass is expected to reduce congestion, improve safety and unlock opportunities for urban expansion and tourism development in Port Antonio, while mitigating the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding.

“The Port Antonio Bypass marks a bold step forward in our mission to modernise Jamaica’s infrastructure. It will not only relieve traffic in the town but also open the door to greater investment, safer travel, and a more climate-resilient Portland,” said Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with responsibility for Works.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the 2025/26 fiscal year and will span approximately 24 months.