Preparatory works now under way; main construction begins October 5

Residents, businesses and airport-bound travellers using the Montego Bay–Lucea–Negril corridor are set to benefit from a $39 million rehabilitation of Seaview Drive in Lucea’s seawall area, Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, has announced.

Minister Morgan said delays through Lucea can sometimes reach two hours, disrupting daily commuting and commercial activity and placing passengers travelling to the airport at risk of missing their flights.

“Reliable access through Lucea is essential to residents and to the tourism economy of western Jamaica. The consequences of lengthy delays extend to workers, businesses and visitors with scheduled flights. This investment will address a difficult section of the route and provide a more durable roadway for the people who depend on it,” Minister Morgan said.

Preparatory works are already under way, with main construction scheduled to begin on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The National Works Agency (NWA) team met today with tourism interests, representatives of the Hanover Municipal Corporation, citizens and the police as preparations advance. Minister Morgan emphasised the importance of continued coordination and clear public information throughout construction.

The NWA has signed a contract to rehabilitate approximately 200 metres of Seaview Drive between the G.V. Service Station and D&G Hardware. The works will introduce an eight-inch-thick rigid concrete pavement in place of the asphalt concrete surface previously used.

The low-lying roadway is exposed to flooding during heavy rainfall and periods of high wave action. The NWA has selected rigid concrete pavement as a more durable option for these coastal conditions.

Minister Morgan said the project forms an important intervention for Lucea itself and for motorists travelling through the town towards Negril, Montego Bay and other communities along the western coastal corridor.

Construction is scheduled to take place over six months, with temporary traffic changes introduced as work progresses. Some activities will be undertaken at night to minimise disruption.

The Minister appealed for cooperation during the works and urged motorists to follow traffic instructions. Travellers heading to the airport should allow additional journey time to account for construction-related delays.