KINGSTON, Jamaica — Relief is on the way for roadways across western Jamaica that were severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa as the National Works Agency (NWA) has begun a $328 million patching and local rehabilitation programme in the region.

Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28, 2025 as a category five storm causing widespread destruction to mostly the western region of the island.

In a release Friday, the agency said several roadways across the western parishes of St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland and Hanover were severely affected following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, creating significant challenges. The NWA noted that the latest effort to improve road infrastructure in the region will target the worst affected sections of selected roadways.

Community Relations Officer for the NWA’s western region, Janel Ricketts, said the roads earmarked for repairs include those in and around the city centre of Montego Bay, St James; the Highgate Hall to Stettin main road in Trelawny; Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland; and sections of the Shettlewood to Chester Castle main road in Hanover.

Asphalting of the West End road way in Negril Westmoreland

Ricketts said the projects are expected to be completed over the next six weeks.

Motorists have been warned to expect possible traffic delays during the period of works and are being urged to obey posted warning signs and the instructions of flag persons.

The programme forms part of the agency’s $1.7 billion islandwide Graded Overlay (GO) Road Rehabilitation Programme.