The Government has instructed the National Works Agency NWA to develop a concept for more efficient access into and out of Portmore, using the Mandela Highway.
This will see a project being done in two phases and will include a 1.7-kilometre-long two-lane ramp from the Mandela Highway to Municipal Boulevard, inclusive of a new 120 metre-long bridge across the Rio Cobre; new traffic signals at Dyke Road/Gregory Park main road junction; replacement of the Dyke Road/Municipal Boulevard roundabout with traffic signals; widening of the Dyke Road to accommodate three lanes between Municipal Boulevard and Gregory Park; and street lighting, road markings and signage.
Making his contribution to the 2021/2022 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Everald Warmington, said that these would be the deliverables under phase one of the project.
Mr. Warmington said the benefits to be realized by the people, especially those who live or work in Portmore, will include a reduction in travel time from 45 to 15 minutes; an increase in the afternoon peak capacity from 1,200 vehicles per hour to 3,000 vehicles per hour and significantly improved road conditions for people to traverse.
He noted that the Government will require some of the lands at Ackee Village in order to realize this project.
