The construction phase of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) is now officially underway.

The construction phase of the $45-billion programme began last weekend in Harbour Heights, St. Andrew.

The National Works Agency (NWA) says work is being done along Everest Drive in the community.

The 1.1-kilometre stretch of road is being completely rehabilitated at a cost of $60 million.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness did a walk-through of the project today. He was accompanied by Works Minister Robert Morgan, NWA Chief Executive Officer E.G Hunter, and Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, Philip Paulwell, in whose constituency the road lies.

Speaking with reporters during the walk-through, Mr. Holness noted that today marked the launch of the community roads element of SPARK.

He noted that work is expected to get underway in other constituencies soon.

The Prime Minister added that the second element of SPARK will be focused on roadways that have national strategic value.

The construction phase of the SPARK programme is slated to last two years, followed by a one-year defects liability period. A total of 650 roads have been identified for inclusion in the SPARK project.

The list of roads includes main and parochial corridors, in addition to some roads in housing schemes.