Motorists will be allowed to use the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000 toll-free until the end of this year.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during the official opening ceremony for the highway this afternoon (September 14).

He explained that negotiations with toll operators indicated that tolling would start at the end of November. However, his administration took the decision to start collecting the toll on December 31.

The highway was officially opened at 4 PM.

The 23-kilometre four-lane leg of the highway connects Clarendon and Manchester and is expected to reduce travel time for motorists.

Meantime, Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) Stephen Edwards has expressed satisfaction with the new highway, one he said Jamaicans can be proud of.

Mr. Edwards related challenges with the project’s completion such as supply chain hiccups and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project which started in 2019 was initially set for completion last year but missed several deadlines.