TransJamaica Highway Limited (TJH) announced on Tuesday (July 16) has offered US$20.3 million to secure concession rights to operate the new Phase 1C of Highway 2000.

Phase 1C of Highway 2000 is the latest addition to Jamaica’s east-west toll road system.

Phase 1A refers to the stretch of road extending from Caymanas to Sandy Bay, while Phase 1B covers the route from Sandy Bay to May Pen.

Phase 1C follows the recent extensions from May Pen to Williamsfield, on the outskirts of Mandeville.

TransJamaica Highway Limited already operates the first two phases of the east-west toll road, from Sandy Bay to May Pen.

The company also runs the Portmore leg of the toll road.

The leadership of the TJH had been promised by the government the first right of refusal to operate the May Pen to Williamsfield extension of the toll road, which meant that they would have the opportunity to claim the right to operate Phase 1C of Highway 2000 before any other competitors.

In light of this, and with Trans-Jamaica Highway Limited submitting an offer, the government has approved granting TJH the Phase 1C concession.

This action ensures that TJH continues to hold onto their monopoly of the East-West toll road, as they will now manage areas in St. Catherine, Clarendon, and now Manchester.

The government-owned and operated National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) would note that the acceptance of TransJamaica Highway Limited’s offer for the
concession is not yet fully completed and will be subject to a contract and further conditions, which will
be established soon.

However, this initial acceptance by the government and NROCC will enable port parties to officially begin the negotiating process to sign an official contract.