A Road Network Safety Assessment project is to be undertaken across the island with a view to developing a road safety investment plan to reduce road fatalities.

Under the programme, approximately 1,000 kilometres of roads across the country will be evaluated utilizing the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) methodology.

The project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport’s Road Safety Branch, in collaboration with the National Works Agency (NWA).

Funding for technical assistance, amounting to US$300,000 is being provided by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Manager of the Economic Infrastructure Division at the CDB, Cavon White, says the initiative will contribute significantly to a reduction in motor vehicle crashes on the island’s roads.

He added that the programme emphasizes road network safety assessment, with the aim to strengthen the capacity of Jamaica to develop road safety investment plans.

He said it will also identify priority actions for enhancing road safety on key networks among other things.