MANDEVILLE, Manchester – The implementation of a traffic management system here to address long-standing congestion is expected to be completed in time for the new academic year in September.

Communications manager at the National Works Agency (NWA), Stephen Shaw told the Jamaica Observer that the $70-million project, which incorporates roads and intersections being widened and signalised, is nearing completion.

“We are now doing final works in respect of the traffic signals and to prepare for paving the small areas that we are targeting. We intend to have all these civil works-related activities completed by the middle of August,” said Shaw.

“Once complete, we will then move to get the lights connected to the public power source and to have the planned changes gazetted. All being well, we want to have the changes implemented before school restarts,” added Shaw.

In May, NWA Major Projects Manager Orville Reynolds told business and political leaders that the project was set for completion in July. His comment followed delays caused by difficulties to relocate utility poles and complaints of inconvenience by some residents and business owners.

There were also concerns about the proposed change in access to the Mandeville Regional Hospital following the implementation of a one-way system on a section of Caledonia Road. The one-way is to take effect from the intersection of Caledonia Road, Manchester Road, and Ward Avenue, flowing towards New Green Road where it will end.

Among the roads and intersections to be signalised under the Greater Mandeville Traffic Management System are North Race Course Road to Main Street, North Race Course Road to Caledonia Road, Villa Road to Main Street, South Race Course Road, Caledonia Road, Park Crescent, Manchester Road, Perth Road, and Greenvale Road.

Cameras and pedestrian crosswalks are to be installed as part of the project to alleviate congestion.