Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says work has begun on the extension of the North-South Highway.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at the signing ceremony for the feasibility studies for the highway.

The signing involved the Government and the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

The announcement follows this weekend’s heavy traffic congestion along the main road in Discovery Bay, St. Ann, due to the staging of an entertainment event.

The Prime Minister explained that while physical work has not started, the feasibility study is an indication that work has begun.

He said upon completion, the extension will address traffic congestion.

The Prime Minister said the government will also carry out works on the current North-South Highway, and that both projects will be done in a strategic manner.

He said studies to include: technical, financial, environmental and social issues will be conducted by CHEC at no cost to the Government.

The Prime Minister explained that the building and rehabilitating of highways will ensure that travel in Jamaica can be seamless, which will in turn boost business activities across the island.

The Memorandum of Understanding will be valid for two years.

The proposed extension will be westward to Discovery Bay in St. Ann and eastward to Tower Isle in St. Mary.