KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Works Agency (NWA) has said that, effective tomorrow, they will be implementing a one-way system along a section of Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston.

This, they say, is in order to minimise traffic delays along the corridor, which is now undergoing reconstruction valued at US$20 million.

Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, said that in order to minimise delays along the corridor during the morning peak hours, only traffic heading in an easterly direction (from Toll Road and Three Miles) will be allowed.

This, he said will be in effect between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 am and will impact the section of roadway between East Avenue and Industrial Terrace.

Motorists travelling from the direction of downtown Kingston heading in the direction of Three Miles, will be diverted along Industrial Terrace, then onto Spanish Town Road.

Shaw added that the changes will also impact motorists wishing to access and leave the various business establishments along Marcus Garvey Drive.

Motorists leaving these facilities wishing to head towards the Toll Road or Three Miles will also have to use Industrial Terrace and Spanish Town Road. Motorists exiting East Avenue will be allowed to make a left turn only, he said.

Shaw is also reminding road users who regularly use Marcus Garvey Drive to plan their travels over the next several months, as the corridor will continue to be an active work zone and that traffic delays are likely to occur even with the changes.

“The NWA will continue to assess the traffic situation along the corridor and modifications will be made where it is deemed necessary,” Shaw stated.

Under the Marcus Garvey Improvement Project, approximately 2.44km of the roadway, between East Avenue and Harbour Street, is being widened. The number of available lanes will move from four to six and will also see the installation of sidewalks, realignment of a section of the corridor, installation of drains, and the signalisation of several intersections. The project is slated to be completed in 12 months.