The government is to pursue the extension of the North/South Toll Road.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says this is being done while the government is engaged in the North Coast Highway public private partnership project to design and build out the upgrades, particularly for the Mammee Bay section of the road.

The North/South Toll Road will begin with a clover leaf interchange at Mammee Bay extending westward to Discovery Bay under Phase 1A and eastward to Prospect, St. Mary in Phase 1B. 

This is part of efforts to address major congestion on the roadway, between Ocho Rios and St. Ann’s Bay, especially with the staging of entertainment events and on days, cruise ships visit.

Noting the high levels of traffic on the roadway, Dr. Holness said the situation has created a significant traffic hazard for residents and commuters which will stifle the natural development energy of this area. 

Dr. Holness says the toll road project is estimated to cost approximately $350 million USD.

He explains that given the urgency of the development and the dislocation risks involved in upgrading the existing roadway, the government will take steps to designate the North/South Highway extension as a national development project.

He notes that there would be significant dislocation if the authorities sought to widen the road without an alternative route.