Work on the Grange Lane dualisation project in St. Catherine has reached 60% completion, according to Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, January 21, the Prime Minister provided updates on the Government’s Special Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, aimed at transforming urban infrastructure across Jamaica.
Upcoming Projects in Focus
Prime Minister Holness announced that once Grange Lane is completed, the focus will shift to the Braeton Road and Hellshire Main Road dualisation projects. These are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Launched as part of a broader urban transportation initiative, the CAPEX Programme targets traffic alleviation and improved road capacity. Key projects under the programme include:
- Grange Lane dualisation
- Braeton and Hellshire Main Road upgrades
- East Kings House Road/Lady Musgrave Road improvements
- Arthur Wint Drive expansion
- New Portmore access road from Mandela Highway
- Sandy Gully Bridge widening
Benefits for Urban Centres
The initiative is expected to benefit around 1.2 million Jamaicans in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Catherine. It includes comprehensive upgrades such as road widening, enhanced drainage, water and sewerage systems, traffic management, safety measures, and future-ready broadband infrastructure.
Holness emphasised the importance of streetscaping in these projects, including planting trees and adding greenery for beautification and heat control. “When we build our new roads, we don’t always focus on the soft infrastructure. With these roads, especially in Kingston, we’re integrating streetscaping to create a more appealing and sustainable environment,” he said.
Arthur Wint Drive Expansion and Other Projects
The Arthur Wint Drive project has been expanded to include a stretch from Arthur Wint Drive through Tom Redcam Drive to Camp Road. It will feature new sewerage systems and waterlines, significantly benefiting local residents, businesses, and developers. Work on this project is expected to begin in the next fiscal year.
Additionally, projects like the Sandy Gully Bridge upgrades and the New Portmore Entrance development are undergoing investment appraisals.
Balancing Progress with Minimal Disruption
Acknowledging concerns about the simultaneous commencement of multiple large-scale projects, Holness assured Jamaicans that every effort will be made to minimize disruptions.
“The Special CAPEX Programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure, driving future development, and improving quality of life for all Jamaicans,” he stated.
Portmore’s Strategic Role
Three of the six CAPEX projects are centered in Portmore, in recognition of its transition to parish status and anticipated future development.
Holness reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to meeting the demands of a growing and modern Jamaica, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the nation’s progress.
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