CONTRACTS SIGNED FOR MOUNT ROSSER BYPASS

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller addresses the Press Conference while Minister Robert Pickersgill (left), Minister Richard Azan (2nd from right) and Mr. Ivan Anderson, looks on.

Contracts for the construction of the Mount Rosser Bypass (a part of the next Phase of Highway 2000) were signed on Thursday, May 3 at the Office of the Prime Minister.

This will be a new four lane dual carriageway, approximately 24km in length which will be expected to be completed over a 30 month period. Contracting duties for the project will be by Trans Jamaica Highway/Bouygues Travaux Public through the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) representing the GOJ. Work is expected to begin in June of this year. Estimated costs of J$7B will cover land acquisitions, road construction and Toll Plaza utilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller said, " .the accelerated developments taking place on the North Coast, particularly the tourism expansion programme, have given added impetus for us to move ahead with this phase of the Highway 2000 project."

She noted that though the entire segment from Spanish Town to Ocho Rios covers some 67km, the contract that was being signed would address what was by far, the most challenging aspect of the route - bypassing Mount Rosser and Mount Diablo.

The tolled roadway which will start at the existing Bog Walk/Linstead Bypass will cut out the town of Ewarton, the hills of Mount Rosser and Mount Diablo ending on the road to Claremont just outside of Moneague.

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to highlight the fact that the Government remains fully committed to implementing the Highway Development Project to meet the expanding road transport needs of the country.

A number of stakeholders associated with the project, were on hand to witness the signing. These included, portfolio Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, Mr. Ivan Anderson from NROCC, Mr Jean Noel Foulard from Bouygues and Junior Ministers in the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Messrs. Fenton Ferguson and Richard Azan among others.