KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) says it has commenced a hotmix patching and local rehabilitation programme in the northeastern parishes of Portland, St Mary and St Ann.

According to the NWA, in a media release, this is to improve the road infrastructure across the northeastern region, targeting the worst-affected sections of the selected roadways.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, says the works form part of the agency’s $1.7 billion islandwide Graded Overlay (GO) Road Rehabilitation Programme now underway across the island.

He says this tranche of the works commenced at the end of January and is expected to be completed before the end of March. The works are being undertaken at a cost of $193.6 million.

Among the roadways targeted for repairs are the Dover to Agualta Vale to Martins, and Highgate to Guys Hill to Rio Nuevo corridors in St Mary.

In Portland, the roadways include that from Boundbrook to Rio Grande to Berrydale, Buff Bay to Balcarres, and Wakefield to Hardwar Gap.

In St Ann, the roadways from Rio Bueno to Port Rhodes, Discovery Bay to Runaway Bay and Steer Town to Ocho Rios will also be repaired.

During the period of work motorists may encounter traffic delays.

Motorists are being advised to obey the posted warning signs and the instructions of flag persons.