Perimeter road project bringing high hopes to MoBay as completion nears
Published:Monday | April 21, 2025 | 12:07 AMRochelle Clayton/Staff Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon anticipates further growth in the city as the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project progresses closer to its 2026 completion date.
Vernon, speaking against the backdrop of road construction along West Green Avenue, told The Gleaner that motorists are going to benefit immensely from a newly built four-lane highway through the community. As it is now, there are three roundabouts leading from West Green to Catherine Hall; however, work in the region began earlier in April, forcing traffic to take an alternate route through the area.
“This development will be a game changer for our city, bringing with it significantly improved infrastructure and enhanced local economic development. I anticipate more development submissions from untapped areas surrounding the perimeter road for housing expansion and commercial build-out,” Vernon said last Thursday.
The mayor believes the improved road network around the city will ease traffic congestion and bring economic growth to Montego Bay. He pointed out that the development of a highway through this area might also improve the aesthetic of the city. This neighbourhood features the parish’s only Mega Mart and other companies, and the National Bakery is currently establishing a manufacturing plant adjacent to this route.
“This project is a big tag project of the Government of Jamaica to realise increased productivity via the provision of critical infrastructure. Montego Bay stands to benefit immensely from the spinoff, and the residents of the aforementioned communities, along with those who contend with the Fairfield bottleneck, will experience less congestion and improved commute and safety.”
60 PER CENT COMPLETE
On Wednesday, the government announced that the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project is currently 60 per cent complete, with approximately $24.41 billion invested as of March 31. The project is being funded by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the National Road Operating and Constructing Company. The final cost is expected to be $55.6 billion. The government further stated that it plans to spend $12.06 billion in the fiscal year 2025-2026 and $19.47 billion the following year to complete the project.
The project includes a 15-kilometre dual highway from Ironshore to Bogue, which is 70 per cent complete; the Long Hill Bypass; and upgrades to West Green Avenue and Barnett Street.
WEST GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
Meanwhile, Vernon explained that the roadwork along West Green Avenue will include the erection of “all the required infrastructure, road, reserve, sidewalk, and traffic signals”. It is slated to be completed in a few months, Vernon reported.
“[The] roundabouts will be downsized to facilitate dual carriageways on both sides of the road. The project schedule for the perimeter road project goes up to 2026, but this component is estimated to reach an advanced state by May of this year, and major works should be completed a few months following that period,” he said.
While multiple households in St James have had to evacuate due to road construction for the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project, Vernon assured The Gleaner that no residents in West Green or Catherine Hall will need to relocate. However, some businesses may relocate to allow for access to the roadworks.
“Like much of this national project, many residents have been impacted. However, the positive impacts significantly outweigh the negative impacts, and challenges have been efficiently and effectively addressed to remedy any negative escalation.
“Similarly, stakeholder engagement for this leg of the project has been top-notch, and residents have been very cooperative. So far, there is no indication of potential displacement. A few shops will be affected, and any other activities that currently [take place] along the reserve. The main concern raised is that of parking, and the St James Municipal Corporation will be working closely with the residents and NROCC (National Road Operating and Constructing Company) to provide solutions,” said Vernon.