KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Government is moving to address the traffic congestion experienced by motorists entering and leaving Portmore via Mandela Highway. 

Motorists currently face lengthy delays along Mandela Highway from Six Miles to Caymanas during afternoon peak hours, and there are also long lines of vehicles trying to exit Portmore via the same route in the mornings.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works, Everald Warmington, said that at least two options are being considered to address the issue.

One option, he said, is the construction of a bridge at the entrance to the toll road at Mandela Highway in the vicinity of the Ackee Village, which will cost some US$20 million.                                

He indicated that another solution, which would be less costly, would require the approval of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) that oversees the toll operations.

 “We would have to go down the toll road and have on and off ramps constructed at the Grange Lane Bridge,” he said.               

Warmington said that the ministry is working to find a solution this year, so that motorists entering Portmore via by the Mandela Highway can have an easier commute, thereby saving time and money.

He also said that he does not foresee a loss in revenue for the toll road (which is now fully owned by the Government) as a result of the creation of the on and off ramps.

He argued that the existing users of the highway will continue to do so as they travel beyond the proposed exit, so too those who use the Portmore toll, as they see it as a more convenient route to get to where they are going.                                     

He noted that consideration may need to be given for a fee to use the earlier part of the toll road.

“But we have to consider the inconvenience now being caused to thousands of people in Portmore,” he said.