13 June 2024 – Access Improvement Works to Begin in Free Town By The Radamm.com
Residents of Free Town and surrounding communities can expect significant transportation upgrades soon, as access improvement works are set to commence along Highway 2000 East-West in early 2025. The plans, unveiled at a town hall meeting held at Free Town Primary School, were presented by Ivan Anderson, Managing Director of TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH). The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including William Shagoury, chair of the Toll Authority Board, shed light on the pressing need for enhanced access to the highway.
Addressing Current Access Issues
Anderson highlighted the existing challenges faced by residents in Longville, Free Town, Aviary, New Harbour Phase 4, and Sandy Bay. Currently, these communities lack westbound access to May Pen, while commuters traveling from May Pen to these areas find themselves without eastbound access. Acknowledging the persistent lobbying from stakeholders, Anderson emphasized the necessity of implementing access ramps to address these issues.
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Ramp Construction Plans
To tackle the access limitations, construction on two new ramps along the Old Harbour Road (A2) roadway is scheduled to commence in June 2024. China Harbour Engineering and Construction (CHEC) will undertake the roadwork, with one ramp designated for westbound entry parallel to the existing exit at HiPro Feeds Factory, and the other for eastbound exit, mirroring the existing entry ramp. Additionally, the project entails upgrading sections of A2 and the Highway at the interchange to ensure seamless connectivity.
Toll-Free Access
A key aspect of the improvement plans is the provision of toll-free access on the new ramps. Anderson assured citizens gathered at the town hall meeting that there would be no tolls levied at the Free Town exit. However, tolls would remain payable at May Pen for travelers continuing further eastbound or westbound. Furthermore, no tolls would be charged for those entering eastbound to Old Harbour or traveling westbound at Old Harbour to Free Town, facilitating smoother transit for local commuters.
Highway Expansion and Toll Plaza Upgrades
In anticipation of increased usage resulting from the improved access, the project includes expanding the number of lanes at the Vineyards Toll Plaza. This expansion aims to accommodate the heightened traffic flow effectively, ensuring minimal disruptions and smoother journeys for motorists.
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Completion Timeline
With construction set to commence in June 2024, the project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. Residents can look forward to enjoying enhanced connectivity and improved access to essential services and employment opportunities, marking a significant step forward in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
As Free Town and surrounding communities prepare for these transformative improvements, stakeholders express optimism about the positive impact on local residents’ lives. With equitable access to transportation infrastructure, the region stands poised for sustainable growth and development in the years to come.
