Member of Parliament for East Central St Catherine Alando Terrelonge says Grange Lane in Portmore expansion into a dual carriageway is set to start in January 2024.

He said the J$$878 million expansion would meet the needs of the growing population, businesses, and enterprises in what will soon be Jamaica’s 15th parish.

“This transformation will be pivotal for the future development of East Central and Portmore by significantly reducing commuters’ travel time by 45 minutes to an hour upon completion. This will allow our constituents to travel to work easier, conduct business easier, and also attract more investors into Portmore, providing job opportunities to our youth and all constituents,” he said.

Terrelonge shared that Portmore has welcomed the opening of a Courts, Fontana, and the second opening of an IBex. He said these businesses have employed more than 1,500 workers, 70 per cent of whom reside in Portmore.

The member of parliament made the disclosure during his remarks at the State of the Constituency Debate 2023 in Parliament on Tuesday.

He noted that Hills Down Avenue and Meadowvale Drive in the community of Meadowvale are complete, and significant strides have been made in upgrading Aries Close and Pieces Close in Watson Grove and Baptist Road in Gregory Park.

Rehabilitation works for Belmore Avenue in Cedar Grove, Newlands Main Road, and Anglin Avenue have also been approved and are awaiting the procurement of contracts.

Grange Lane in Portmore was scheduled for an expansion in December last year that was expected to last for nine months at a cost of $743 million. However, the project was delayed because the contract fell through.

At the time, the National Works Agency (NWA) said that each of the four lanes would be 3.65 metres wide, with turning lanes at critical intersections.

The road improvement is expected to benefit residents of Happy Content, Cedar Grove, West Cumberland, Morris Meadows, and other adjoining communities in Portmore.