Prime Minister Andrew Holness is optimistic that the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, when completed, will attract investments in the second city in areas such as housing.

“I’m confident that when this project is finished, the city of Montego Bay will enter a new phase of its development. I want you to stop for a moment and think of what it would mean to have 5,000 less cars daily congesting the city of Montego Bay,” he said.

The project is being constructed at a cost of US$274.5 million and includes the construction of a 14.9-kilometer roadway to bypass the city centre.

It also includes the rehabilitation of Barnett Street and West Green Avenue, a 10.5-kilometer Long Hill bypass road, and a comprehensive drainage study of Montego Bay.

“We’re very interested to see the supporting infrastructure. I’ve already seen on the drawing several interchanges that will be put in place in addition to significant drainage, culverts, and other supporting civil infrastructure to make sure that the road will last for a very long time,” Holness said.

More than 60 per cent of the roadway has already been excavated, with work progressing.

“Behind me you’re seeing the steel members being fabricated… which will form the foundation of possibly the longest bridge to be constructed in Jamaica,” Holness added.

The prime minister also highlighted that a notable aspect of the projects is the “meticulous
organisation of the local labour force”. He noted that significant efforts have been invested in fostering harmonious labour relations and providing comprehensive training for the Jamaicans working on the project.

Similarly, he said that preserving the environment is a priority, particularly as the construction cuts through previously untouched forested areas.

Holness noted that careful measures have been taken to avoid disturbing bird sanctuaries and safeguarding any discovered artefacts.

The Montego Bay Perimeter Road is a collaboration between the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the China Harbour Engineering Company.