MICHAEL Anderson has accepted that he will have to leave the seven-apartment house he built more than 25 years ago at Cotton Tree Heights in Anchovy, St James. It is one of several impressive structures near an underpass being built as part of the Long Hill Bypass (LHB) — one of four sub-projects that make up the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project (MBPRP).

“First, I hear I wasn’t in it and then about a year and a half ago they said I was involved so what can I do? I know I can’t do anything about it; eminent domain is what it is,” Anderson told the Jamaica Observer’s Real Estate on the Rock last Wednesday, no hint of recrimination in his voice.

He was referring to a Government’s legal authority to take private property and convert it for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell. Five of Anderson’s tenants have already moved on but Steve Spence, his young daughter Olivia, and her mom are still there. Spence has lived at the house for nine years, and he thought it was the ideal location to raise his toddler.

“To be honest with you, this area is really nice. In growing up this child, I don’t want to go any and anywhere to live. At the moment, I have no choice. I have to just wait until they make their decision then I can know what to do,” Spence told the Sunday Observer as he balanced a chatty Olivia on his left hip.

Anderson, his landlord, is waiting to hear how much the Government of Jamaica will pay him for his house. He said there has been no discussion with him about price but he has decided not to get a valuation done just yet.

One of eight underpasses that will be built as part of the Long Hill Bypass project. This structure is in close proximity to a number of houses at Cotton Tree Heights, Anchovy, in St James.

“I’m not gonna jump and do that; I’m gonna see what they come back with first before I waste money and do one. If it’s something I feel is not sufficient, then I’ll get one,” he said.

According to Stephen Edwards, managing director of National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) — the agency executing the MBPRP on behalf of the Government — $3.3 billion has been spent on land acquisition so far. On April 25 he told the Sunday Observer that “to date, all offers for compensation related to lands acquired for the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project have been accepted”.

The MBPRP is a massive undertaking, but even with media reports of some unhappy property owners plus the additional work being done on the Long Hill Bypass, Edwards is confident it will meet its May 2026 completion date.

Initially slated to be two lanes with plans for expansion at a later date, a decision was taken to expand the scope of the bypass now. Long Hill has a reputation of being motor vehicle crash-prone, especially when it rains; and traffic tends to slow to a crawl along the winding road which, for much of the route, has a sharp drop on one side.

“Recognising the long-term growth potential and current traffic characteristics — especially the presence of slow-moving trucks — the Government made the strategic decision to build it as a four-lane highway from the outset,” Edwards said.

“This bold move will enhance the efficiency and safety of the route, providing dedicated climbing lanes for trucks and allowing faster-moving traffic to pass safely. The expanded scope has increased the overall project value to US$374 million, but the added capacity is expected to yield tremendous long-term value for communities and businesses in the area,” he added.

In addition to the 10.5-kilometre Long Hill Bypass — the expanded scope for which has increased the original price tag by US$100 million — the perimeter road project includes the 15.1-kilometre Montego Bay Bypass, which now boasts the country’s longest bridge, as well as the West Green Avenue Upgrade which will replace roundabouts with traffic signals and widen the route that links two major thoroughfares. The fourth sub-project, the Barnett Street Upgrade, will feature significant widening of the high-traffic corridor running from the West Green/Fairfield intersection to Cottage Road; rehabilitation of the road; as well as a new bridge over the Montego River. There will also be installation of water, sewage, and drainage infrastructure.

Running from Ironshore to Bogue, then onwards to Anchovy, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project will divert traffic from now-congested streets that sap commuters’ energy and cut into productivity. The project has been long-awaited and its completion is much anticipated. It will be the first local road to feature open-road tolling, also known as free-flow tolling, so there will be no need for toll booths.

“This modern technology allows tolls to be collected electronically, eliminating the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas. The benefits are significant: reduced fuel consumption, shorter travel times, and less congestion at toll points. The system will mark a major milestone in Jamaica’s transition toward smart infrastructure solutions, bringing the island in line with international best practices,” said Edwards.

The perimeter road project is also expected to be a catalyst for growth, opening up greenfield areas for structured development.

“The highway will now provide greater access to the communities along the perimeter of the city — Cornwall Courts, Salt Spring, Adelphi, et cetera — and also increase access to large areas of undeveloped and underdeveloped lands to the south of the highway,” explained Edwards.

“The vision goes beyond easing traffic. The perimeter road is a strategic development tool — unlocking new areas for housing, business, and tourism development. As the only city in Jamaica’s western region, Montego Bay plays a vital role in delivering public services not only to St James but also to surrounding parishes. The project is a crucial step toward supporting the city’s evolution into a modern urban centre capable of meeting future demands,” he added.

As of April the perimeter road project was 60 per cent complete. The project is being executed through a design-build contract with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited. NROCC manages the project on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Work being done to replace a roundabout with traffic signals. This is part of the West Green Avenue Upgrade, one of four sub-projects that make up the US$347-million Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project.

Slow-moving traffic on the often-treacherous Long Hill in Montego Bay. The US$100-million Long Hill Bypass is the solution.

This seven-apartment house in Cotton Tree, Anchovy, built more than 25 years ago, will have to go so as to accommodate the Long Hill Bypass that is part of the US$347-million Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project.

These houses in Cotton Tree, Anchovy, are in the vicinity of an underpass being built for the US$100-million Long Hill Bypass project.