35 roads remain impassable in 12 parishes - NWA

The National Works Agency (NWA) says it has reopened nearly 90 per cent of roads impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Manager, Communication and Customer Services at NWA, Stephen Shaw, says that the agency has to date received reports of some 385 roads being impacted. Of this number, 246 or 63 per cent have been reopened to single lane traffic, while another 27 per cent have been fully reopened.

Shaw says that as of Thursday evening, there were 35 impassable roads in 12 parishes.

There are six impassable corridors in Hanover, five in St Thomas, four in Trelawny and three in the parishes of St Andrew, St Elizabeth and St James. All roads in the parishes of St Mary and Kingston have been reopened.

Among the reopened roads in St James are the roads from Barnett to Adelphi, Adelphi to Kent and Mocho to Niagra. The NWA says work continues to reopen the road from Marchmont to Washfoot Gully and Johns Hall to Stapleton.

It says some roads are being impacted by flooding. Among them are Montpelier to Cambridge, St James; Williamsfield to Mile Gully, Manchester; Martha Brae to Kinloss, Trelawny; and Windsor to Aberdeen, St Elizabeth.

Shaw says while progress has been made, the agency’s efforts at fully reopening roads are also being impacted by downed utility posts and wires, landslides and damaged road embankments.

He says that the NWA’s technical teams have already visited some locations as the agency is making preparation to carry out permanent repairs. He says repairs in the form of retaining structures, improved drainage features and base replacement will be necessary in order to facilitate easier commute in some areas.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.