ST JAMES, Jamaica — Excitement is building among Montego Bay residents and motorists as work progresses on the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project (MBPRP), a long-awaited initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion in the tourism capital.

Many have welcomed the development, calling it a much-needed solution to the city’s traffic woes.

“As a driver, the traffic is horrendous right now. So, I’m excited for anything that can mitigate that issue,” one motorist said.

Another resident noted that the new bypass will help divert vehicles away from the often-congested town centre, improving overall mobility.

The MBPRP, led by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC), includes the construction of the 15.1-kilometre Montego Bay Bypass and the 10.5-kilometre Long Hill Bypass. The project will also involve upgrades to Barnett Street and West Green Avenue, as well as a comprehensive drainage assessment for the bypass area.

A close-up look at the ongoing construction of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project in Montego Bay, St James. (Photo contributed)

The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MBCCI) has also voiced its support for the project. MBCCI President Jason Russell noted that Montego Bay’s rapid growth has outpaced its existing infrastructure, making the bypass a crucial development.

“It’s a well-known fact that one of Montego Bay’s biggest problems is traffic. This is a good problem to have as it means the city is growing. In recent times, we’ve moved from a two-lane road with roundabouts to a four-lane highway with traffic lights, and we’ve outgrown that as well,” Russell said.

He added that the new road network would help support the expanding tourism industry, allowing Montego Bay to develop sustainably. “I can’t wait to see the project completed,” he said.

The MBPRP has been positioned as a key part of the government’s vision to transform Montego Bay into a more resilient and competitive city, catering to both private and public sector needs.