$100m means GO for Shettlewood to Anchovy road rehab

The Government has allocated J$100 million under the GO Road Rehabilitation Programme for works on critical sections of the roadway linking Anchovy, St James, to Shettlewood, Hanover.

In a statement last night, the National Works Agency (NWA) said special focus is to be placed on the section of road between Mount Carey and Montpelier in St James.

“This rehabilitation forms part of a wider programme of works that was planned for the last quarter of 2024, as the Government moved to expand targeted road rehabilitation across the island. The rehabilitation works will address priority areas most affected by deterioration, including potholes, edge breaks, and sections compromised by surface failure,” stated the NWA.

“The planned works are expected to restore safer and smoother driving conditions for residents, motorists, public passenger operators, and business operators.”

Robert Morgan, minister with responsibility for works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID), said the Government has noted that the road through Montpelier is currently the subject of pipe-laying works. The road is part of the Shettlewood to Anchovy Pipeline Project being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

Rehabilitation works are expected to begin in the third week of January, immediately after JSIF completes pipe-laying activities in the area.

Morgan said that to ensure value for money and to avoid rework, the NWA and JSIF would work together to coordinate schedules. Sections of the corridor that have been compromised due to pipe-laying and related excavation works are to be rehabilitated, so that the road restoration is completed at the required standard.

Morgan noted that the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to delivering practical improvements through coordinated and targeted rehabilitation.

“This is an important investment in western Jamaica. The corridor is a key link for residents, transport operators, farmers, and businesses operators travelling between Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, and Montego Bay, St James,” Morgan said.

“We planned this work from last year, and we are now delivering it under the GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, while ensuring coordination in Montpelier, so any areas affected by pipeline works are properly restored.”

Morgan added that the $1.6-billion GO Road Rehabilitation Programme, which started in December in sections of Kingston and St Andrew, is now being rolled out islandwide, targeting roads and corridors that require urgent improvements.

The NWA advised motorists that intermittent traffic disruption may occur during the implementation of the works and urged the public to observe all posted signs and instructions of flag persons.

“Updates on the Go Road Rehabilitation Programme will be provided as work schedules are finalised and implementation progresses.” the works agency said.