Dear Editor,

As I journeyed through Trelawny on my way to Montego Bay earlier this week, a route I had not taken since 2021 due to poor road conditions, I was pleasantly surprised by the sight of ongoing roadworks.

The sight filled me with hope and enthusiasm, realising that residents and commuters were finally being relieved of the challenging road conditions. However, a question lingered in my mind: Why is it that roadworks often coincide with the hurricane season, would it not be wiser to conduct such endeavours before the arrival of these turbulent weather conditions?

The decision to conduct roadworks during the hurricane season has long been a subject of debate in my geography classes as I followed the National Standards Curriculum and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) syllabus which speak to weather and climate. While road maintenance is essential to ensure safe and efficient travel, the timing of these activities has raised concerns. The hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November, brings about the potential for heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. Such adverse weather conditions can significantly impede the progress of road construction and repair projects.

Opting for road construction and maintenance before the hurricane season presents a more prudent approach. By completing these projects ahead of time, communities can be better prepared to face the challenges posed by severe weather. Roads that have been reinforced and upgraded are more likely to withstand the impact of heavy rains, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.

Ensuring roadways are in optimal condition before the arrival of hurricanes can contribute to faster recovery efforts post-storm, enabling essential services to resume swiftly and efficiently. Several regions around the world have recognised the importance of completing roadworks before the onset of the hurricane season. In Florida, USA, where hurricanes are a recurring threat, roadwork initiatives are strategically planned to be finished by May, ensuring that road infrastructure is resilient to the subsequent weather challenges. Similarly, in Japan, a country prone to typhoons, road construction projects are often expedited in the months leading up to the typhoon season to minimise disruption to transportation networks.

While prioritising preseason roadworks is vital, it’s also crucial to establish measures to maintain road infrastructure during the hurricane season itself, similar to what obtains during the Christmas season, when debushing activities take place. Emergency response teams should be prepared to swiftly address damage, clear debris, and restore accessibility to affected areas. Continuous monitoring and quick interventions can mitigate the potential consequences of hurricanes on roadways.

The roadworks I encountered in Trelawny served as a testament to the positive impact of proactive infrastructure improvement and I laud the authorities for their efforts. However, by shifting the focus to completing road construction and maintenance before the hurricane season, communities can significantly enhance their resilience to extreme weather events.

Learning from global examples, where roadwork schedules are aligned with the weather patterns, can offer valuable insights into effective infrastructure management. Ultimately, the decision to prioritise preseason roadworks and implement timely maintenance measures can make a substantial difference in safeguarding road networks and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and commuters.

Leroy Fearon

Geographer and environmental specialist

leroyfearon85@gmail.com