ST JAMES, Jamaica — A $56 million road rehabilitation project is now underway along a section of the Comfort Hall to Walespond roadway, in southern St James.

The roadway, which connects the communities of Comfort Hall, Walespond and surrounding areas to the city of Montego Bay, is regularly used as a bypass to enter the city, whenever there is a blockage along the Long Hill main road, the main route into Montego Bay, from Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.

Community Relations Officer at the National Works Agency (NWA), Janel Ricketts, says that the project targets approximately one kilometre of roadway.

The targeted section will see additional drainage features being installed, a new base constructed and completed with an Asphaltic Concrete surface.

Ricketts says the project is now in the preliminary stage, with efforts now being concentrated on reshaping the roadway and the installation of drainage features.

The project is being undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering Company, through the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

To date, some 16 corridors have received attention under the SPARK Programme in St James. Among the other roadways which are currently receiving attention are the Canaan to Dip roadway; Jarrett Terrace;  and Texas Hill in the community of Norwood.

Works currently underway in the parish amount to approximately $600 million, with staggered completion over the next 12 months, based on their commencement dates. The installation of new water lines forms part of the scope of some projects, leading to longer completion schedules.