Holness launches SPARK main roads programme with 37 priority corridors across Jamaica

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday launched the main roads component of the SPARK programme, a $45 billion national infrastructure push that the Government says will upgrade key transport corridors, improve traffic flow and strengthen road resilience across Jamaica. The launch was held at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Government officials said the wider SPARK programme provides funding for main roads, community roads, water infrastructure, engineering design, consultancy and supervision. The main roads leg is expected to cover 37 roads across 11 parishes, with about 170 kilometres of roadway targeted for improvement and more than 900,000 people projected to benefit directly.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development Arlene Williams said the investment goes beyond resurfacing and will include drainage works, slope stabilisation, retaining walls, upgraded signs and markings, pedestrian safety features, and bridge and culvert improvements where needed. She said the programme is intended to produce stronger and safer roads while supporting business activity, tourism, agriculture and access to schools and health care.

Minister with responsibility for works Robert Morgan said the Government wants the programme judged by finished projects rather than announcements. He said 37 main roads have been identified for priority attention, while more than 300 community roads are already under construction under SPARK. Morgan also said the programme is focused on full rehabilitation rather than patching and will include sidewalks, culverts, retaining structures, road markings and features for persons with disabilities.

National Works Agency official Vardon Downer said the main roads were selected using a data-driven process based on population served, traffic demand, access to essential services, and economic importance. He said the budget estimate for the main roads component is $25 billion.

Among the major projects announced were a grade-separated improvement at Washington Boulevard and Molynes Road and the proposed Don Robin Road extension to East Kings House Road. Downer said the Don Robin project is at concept design stage and would include a grade separation at Constant Spring Road and Don Robin Avenue.

Holness said Jamaica's road problems are tied to an ageing network, rising traffic volumes and the high cost of full reconstruction. He said the Government is trying to move away from repeated patching toward large-scale rehabilitation and is also advancing plans for a One Road Authority to improve road management, standards and enforcement.