ST ANN, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced plans for two major road projects to address traffic congestion in St Ann.

The prime minister, who was delivering the keynote address at the opening of a new Courts store at the Drax Hall Complex in the parish on October 10, said the congestion on the roadway between Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay, particularly in the Mammee Bay area, has become a source of frustration for motorists.

“We are looking at two major projects in place now. The first is the improvement of the North Coast Highway, which is this road here, which will be expanded to a four-lane road with underpasses and side roads,” he explained.

He said that the expansion of the highway will not only addresses the pile-up of traffic that has plagued the area for some time but will also enhance the overall traffic flow, driving economic growth and development.

Prime Minister Holness noted that the road is the main thoroughfare for persons travelling between Kingston and Montego Bay but pointed out that “people who live in this area, who would normally use streets and walk and ride, they also must use that road, so, the road can’t function”.

He contended: “What is needed here is a boulevard that goes through, with your side streets for your local traffic, that’s managed in terms of speed, so that people can traverse as much as possible with stoplights and so forth. So that is being planned.”

The other project is the extension of the North South Highway to take motorists right into Trelawny. The highway extends from Caymanas in St Catherine to Ocho Rios in St Ann.

Holness said that Government has opened negotiations, noting that both projects are “fairly advanced in development”.

“You will hear more about that in our Budget presentation to come next year… as to how far we have reached in that plan being executed,” he said.

Holness said that the road projects will open economic opportunities and the Government will be guided by a development plan to counter the redistribution of commercial activities.

“Persons are going to move out of Ocho Rios, move out of St Ann’s Bay and seek to relocate where commerce and industry and businesses like manufacturing are easily accessible,” he contended.

“What you are going to find is that Ocho Rios, which we will promote, will become more of a touristic town… where the whole charm of the town can be properly enhanced and developed and harness for its economic value,” he said.

He noted that St Ann’s Bay can also be properly developed for its historical value to add depth to the tourism product.

“So, you will not only get sun, sea and sand but also culture and history,” Holness said.

Local business owners and residents have welcomed the road improvement plans.

“As a business owner in this area, I can attest to the struggles we face due to traffic congestion,” said businessman and watersports operator, Garfield Dussard.

“This expansion is a much-needed step in the right direction. It will not only improve the flow of customers but also enhance the overall business environment,” he told JIS News.

Priory resident, Maxine Campbell, expressed her support.

“This will be a welcome reprieve. It’s so frustrating sitting in traffic, sometimes for hours and especially when entertainment activities are taking place,” she told JIS News.

– JIS