KINGSTON, Jamaica — Drivers using the country’s tolled highways will have free access to the roads as the toll barriers have been lifted in accordance with directives from the Government.

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz had since last week indicated that at some point the toll booths would be opened to give free access to emergency vehicles and to ensure there was no build-up of traffic as Jamaicans were first put on a tropical storm watch, which is now a hurricane warning, as Hurricane Melissa packing winds of up to 140 miles per bears down on the country.

It is expected to make landfall sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Vaz announced on social media on Sunday that he had signed the Order for the toll booths to be opened.  

At a special media briefing earlier on Sunday, he said they would remain open after the hurricane passes to allow free movement of traffic and to allow persons to check on their family, business and property.

The Toll Authority of Jamaica confirmed Sunday that the barriers have been lifted on all corridors of Highway 2000 as of 5:00 pm until further notice.