Gov’t contemplating phased opening of MoBay Bypass ahead of 2026 completion date
Published:Thursday | October 16, 2025 | 12:13 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
While the projected completion date for the new Montego Bay Bypass Road is May 2026, it is likely that motorists will start using sections of the multimillion-dollar project ahead of that date, based on plans to start opening it in phases.
The project, which will feature the longest bridge in Jamaica, among other special feature, was toured yesterday by Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, and officials from the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) and China Harbour Engineering Company, the two entities involved in the project.
According to Morgan, the Government is exploring the feasibility of opening completed sections of the roadway ahead of the May 2026 deadline, but he said that decision will be guided principally by safety imperatives.
“There are plans to open sections of the highway when we have put on the wearing course, but those plans have to be guided by the safety of motorists,” Morgan told The Gleaner. “As you will see on the tour, we are putting in railings and other safety features to ensure that motorists who use the road are able to use it in a very safe way.”
With the overall project now 80 per cent complete and some sections freshly asphalted and seemingly ready for use, Morgan spoke about the rapid transformation of the site since an earlier visit.
“The last time we came, there was no asphalt. There was base material in the form of aggregate, and now we have two inches of asphalt, which is the base course. There’s another layer to be put on, the wearing course, which is another inch and a half of asphalt,” he said.
Upon completion, the bypass, also known as the Perimeter Road, will feature a 3.5-inch asphalt pavement across its main carriageways, a specification engineers deem sufficient to accommodate the projected traffic volume and vehicle load.
“It is an active construction site, so we wouldn’t want to open the road too early and put persons’ lives at risk,” said Morgan. “When the time is appropriate, and when we feel that we are putting in the necessary safety measures and the paving has been done in a particular way, we will definitely announce that we’re opening a section of the road to the motoring public.”
LOGISTICS AFFECTING TIMELINE
While avoiding a specific date for the first phase opening, Morgan cited import logistics as one of the key determinants affecting the timeline.
“We do not build the railings in Jamaica, so we have to depend on our international partners who are making them, and also on shipping and Customs timelines, As soon as we’re confident that the safety of the road is secure, we will make an announcement. I don’t suspect it will be very long, but I will not give a specific date now,” he said.
“We’re actually a little bit ahead of target, as the contractors have been moving faster than predicted. We would like to come in under budget and ahead of schedule, and the work that has been done on this road is a testament to the collaboration between China Harbour, our local contractors, the engineers, many of whom are from local companies, and the management of NROCC,” he stated.
The 15.1-kilometre project encompasses the construction of a bypass around the city, in addition to the upgrading of Barnett Street and West Green Avenue. Upon completion, it is expected to significantly reduce urban congestion, curtail travel times between St James and adjoining parishes, and stimulate tourism and economic development.