PRIME MINISTER ASKS FOR A REPORT ON PORTMORE TOLL ROAD

Prime Minister P.J Patterson on Thursday asked for a report to be done on the Portmore leg of Highway 2000. This came out of a meeting called by the Prime Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday, March 10, 2005.

According to the PM, ‘the Government has a responsibility to consider the legitimate concerns of the residents.’ Against this background, the team consisting of officials from the National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC), TransJamaican Highway Ltd. and Bouygues, the French contractor charged with the responsibility of building the Highway 2000 has been asked to do a study, which should be presented to the Prime Minister in four weeks’ time. The study is expected to include a review of traffic studies conducted by TransJamaican Highway Ltd; issues relating to the provision and upgrading of the alternative route via Mandela Highway and what direct benefits could accrue to the Portmore municipality and its residents upon completion of the toll road.

Additionally, the team will also continue to examine the possibility of a special toll rate for Portmore residents and the impact this will have on increasing usage of the roadway.

In 2000, Bougyues won the 35 year concession to build, own and operate the first phase of Highway 2000 – a nearly US$400 million project comprising a 74 kilometre motorway between Kingston and Williamsfield, Manchester and a new bridge over Kingston Harbour linking the community of Portmore with Kingston.

Two other phases of the highway, Bushy Park, Bushy Park to Ocho Rios and Williamsfield to Montego Bay, an additional 152 kilometres are also planned.

Controversy over the Portmore leg has surfaced as residents contend that they should not have to pay a toll to enter and exit their community and that the alternative route being suggested (Mandela Highway) is not suitable due to the volume of traffic which traverses that roadway. The residents of Portmore are also saying that they do not want the Causeway Bridge demolished.