Feasibility studies are being completed for the North South Highway extension project.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the project will see two segments, branching from a new grade separated interchange near Mammee Bay westward to Discovery Bay in St Ann and eastward to Tower Isle in St Mary.

He says the North Coast Highway’s capacity has been exceeded, noting major traffic congestion in the area, especially when events are held in this section of St Ann.

Noting developments in Mammee Bay and Drax Hall, Dr. Holness says there is a special plan for that area.

The Prime Minister underscores that a high speed toll alternative that diverts traffic away from the congested corridor will reduce journey times and unlock the tourism and investment potential of the wider north coast.

He says when the extension is sufficiently advanced, work will commence on the North Coast Highway Improvement Project, which will upgrade and dualize key sections along the existing alignment from Montego Bay to Drax Hall.