Christmas shopping prompts traffic changes near PriceSmart on Red Hills Road

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is advising motorists to expect temporary traffic changes in the vicinity of the PriceSmart supermarket complex along Red Hills Road in St Andrew, as Christmas shopping activity gets under way.

According to the police, the adjustments are aimed at easing congestion and improving safety in the busy commercial corridor, which typically experiences heavy vehicular traffic during the holiday period.

“Regarding the configuration and layout of Red Hills Road and surrounding minor roads: Red Hills Road runs northbound toward Red Hills and southbound toward Half-Way-Tree. Minor roads near PriceSmart run east-west, while others run parallel to Red Hills Road in a northerly direction,” the police said in a statement.

Among the measures being implemented are revised entry points into the PriceSmart compound, regulated turning movements for motorists accessing the location, and increased police presence to manage traffic flow.

Motorists are being urged to follow the instructions of the police on location and exercise patience while travelling through the area.

The JCF is also appealing to shoppers to plan their trips carefully, avoid peak hours where possible, and use alternative routes to reduce bottlenecks along Red Hills Road.

“As a single commercial entity, PriceSmart Super Center has had a significant impact on vehicular traffic movement within the St Andrew North Division. To further enhance traffic management and regulation, updated entry procedures will be implemented for accessing the shopping centre, consistent with measures from last year, aided by directional signs,” the police said.

The traffic changes will remain in effect throughout the Christmas shopping season.

The main access point from Valentine Drive into PriceSmart will be entrance-only.

All vehicles exiting PriceSmart must use the designated exit along Red Hills Road.

Route for Vehicles Entering PriceSmart

1. From Red Hills Road northbound (Half-Way-Tree direction):

Turn left onto Valentine Castle Drive

Turn right onto Valentine Castle Avenue

Drive straight into the PriceSmart compound

Alternative Route:

Turn left onto Valentine Castle Drive

Pass the first right (Valentine Castle Avenue)

Turn right onto Hillview Terrace

Proceed, turn right onto Valentine Drive, then left into the PriceSmart compound

2. From Red Hills Road southbound (Meadowbrook Avenue/Havendale/Price Rite direction):

Pass Valentine Drive

Turn right onto Valentine Castle Drive

Turn right onto Valentine Castle Avenue

Drive straight into the PriceSmart compound

Alternative Route:

Pass Valentine Drive

Turn right onto Valentine Castle Drive

Take the next right onto Hillview Terrace

Proceed, turn right onto Valentine Drive, then left into the PriceSmart compound

Note: Hillview Terrace and Valentine Castle Avenue will be one-way, travelling northerly into the PriceSmart compound.

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