De facto Works Minister Robert Morgan says the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project will unlock the full
potential of western Jamaica by reducing traffic, enhancing business, and connecting communities.

“The perimeter road is here to boost efficiency, it is here to assist the economy, it is here to create a better approach in terms of traffic and persons going about their business in this section of the island,” he noted, during a tour of the project last Thursday (May 8).

Being implemented by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), the J$55.6 billion Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project includes the 15-kilometre Montego Bay Bypass, the 11-kilometre Long Hill Bypass, upgrades to Barnett Street and West Green Avenue, and construction of a 180-metre bridge over the Montego River.

When completed, the bridge will be the longest and tallest four-lane structure in Jamaica.

Minister Morgan said the bridge is central to the project as it will link communities from Trelawny and St. Ann to Hanover and Westmoreland.

Already under the project, the diamond interchange at Cornwall Courts has been completed, providing full access to the Montego Bay bypass.

The Salt Spring Bridge and overpass are also complete, with traffic being redirected to utilise this new infrastructure.

Minister Morgan said that one of the key features of the project is the provision of employment for scores of Jamaicans.

“The steel workers are Jamaicans, the engineers are Jamaicans, the men who drive the trucks, the men who drive the excavators, the tractors. There was also a [technology and knowledge] exchange between the Jamaican contingent and the experts from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC),” he noted.

Many local workers, who have benefited from the exchange of skills have received certification from HEART NSTA/Trust.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang, who was also on the tour, noted that the project’s strategic design includes utility infrastructure such as water, telecommunications and other services to support current and future economic development.

“We will increase the quality of life for many of the people around here,” he said. The tour included a visit to CHEC’s concrete testing laboratory, where materials used in the project are assessed for quality and durability.