Jamaica’s largest four-lane bridge almost done

Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), Stephen Edwards, says Jamaica's largest four-lane bridge, which is currently under construction over the Montego River in St James, is 95 per cent complete.

Edwards, speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) 'Think Tank', described the 180-metre bridge as "a signature piece in the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project and, more specifically, the Montego Bay Bypass". He further noted that the bridge has surpassed the local record previously held by the 150-metre-long bridge on the May Pen to Williamsfield segment of Highway 2000.

The latter bridge was built over the Rio Minho during the construction of Phase 1C of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project. Environmental Manager at NROCC, Errol Mortley, highlighted that the concrete bridge is one of the standout features of the expansive Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, which spans both urban and rural areas. He also noted that the road includes two escape lanes, which are critical safety features on steep downhill roads. These lanes are designed to slow and safely stop vehicles experiencing brake failure by utilising sand or gravel to gradually reduce forward speed.

The main components of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project are the 15km Montego Bay Bypass, the 11km Long Hill Bypass and upgrading works to be done to main roads such as Barnett Street and Westgreen Avenue.