The first phase of the upgrading works on Main Street in Ocho Rios, St Ann, is slated for completion by mid-December 2018, in time for the start of the 2018/19 winter tourist season.

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) advised in a press statement that as the work approaches the final stage, residents and visitors to the resort town should expect inconveniences that would diminish over the coming days.

“Motorists and pedestrians are being reminded to continue to proceed with caution and obey directional signs/staff during the remaining period,” UDC said. Work already completed, include the upgrading of water mains and drainage systems, as well as resurfacing of the roadway and laying of some sidewalks.

For the past few weeks, the construction team has been working at nights to accelerate the process and the tasks that remain to be completed including the additional widening of sidewalks and the laying of coloured paving bricks, as well as landscaping and tree planting, said UDC.

Main Street is one of the main thoroughfares for pedestrians and motorists through the bustling resort town, and this phase of upgrading forms part of the overall multi-billion-dollar redevelopment programme for the town of Ocho Rios being led by the UDC.

This includes the recently completed Turtle Walk Promenade at Ocho Rios Bay Beach and the previous upgrades to the cruise ship pier and terminal, as well as Turtle River Road.

“This phase of the project, which extends over 400 metres from the Island Village Complex to the Ocean Village Shopping Centre, is valued at $161 million. A number of government agencies have collaborated to implement the works, including the UDC through design and general project management, the National Works Agency for contract administration, and the National Water Commission for supervision of the pipeline replacement works.

“Funding for the project is provided by the Tourism Enhancement Fund and the main contractor is Chin’s Construction Ltd.”