Government Advancing J$3.4B in Urban Road Improvements under CAPEX

The Government is accelerating major urban infrastructure improvements under its Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, with approximately $3.4 billion in planned investments aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving utility infrastructure, and supporting future growth.

Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, in his contribution to the 2026/2027 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), reported that the dualisation of Grange Lane in Portmore is now substantially complete and already delivering meaningful relief to motorists and commuters.

Meanwhile, the widening of Braeton Road and Hellshire Main Road has reached approximately 40 per cent completion.

“As Portmore continues to grow and prepares to become Jamaica’s fifteenth parish, we must ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with development. These investments are about creating a modern road network capable of supporting increased population growth, commercial expansion, public transportation, and future economic activity,” Minister Morgan said.

The Minister also announced progress on two major road improvement projects that have completed the tender opening process.

The widening of Arthur Wint Drive, including potable water and sewage infrastructure works, is estimated at $2.21 billion, while the widening of Camp Road, which also includes utility upgrades, carries an estimated cost of $1.18 billion.

Combined, the projects represent approximately $3.4 billion in planned urban infrastructure investments.

Minister Morgan emphasised that the projects are designed to deliver more than additional road capacity.

“These are not stand-alone road projects. They are integrated infrastructure investments that address traffic movement, potable water systems, sewage infrastructure, road safety, utility coordination, and the long-term functionality of critical urban corridors,” he said.

The CAPEX pipeline also includes planned upgrades to Tom Redcam Drive; East Kings House Road and Lady Musgrave Road; New Entry to Portmore and Municipal Boulevard; and the Sandy Gully Bridge to Ken Hill Drive corridor.

Minister Morgan said the projects form part of a coordinated national infrastructure agenda that includes the SPARK Programme, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), and the Port Antonio Bypass.

“This is not scattered construction. This is a national infrastructure programme. We are improving how Jamaicans move, strengthening resilience, supporting development, and creating stronger connections between communities and opportunities across the country,” he said.