Kingston, Jamaica: The Government of Jamaica has taken a major step toward addressing traffic congestion along the island’s North Coast with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). The signing ceremony took place on Monday August 4, 2025, at the Office of the Prime Minister. The agreement outlines cooperation on developing the required Feasibility Studies for the North-South Highway Extension Project (NSHEP).
The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) confirmed that the traffic volume along the North Coast Highway, particularly through the parish of St. Ann, has exceeded the current road capacity. In response, NROCC has conceptualized an alternative highway route through St. Ann to alleviate congestion and improve travel efficiency.
The proposed North-South Highway Extension Project will consist of two new segments branching from a grade-separated interchange near Mammee Bay, St. Ann:
- Segment 1: Extending westward from Mammee Bay to Discovery Bay, St. Ann
- Segment 2: Extending eastward from Mammee Bay to Tower Isle, St. Mary
Under the terms of the MOU, the Government of Jamaica, through NROCC, will provide CHEC with the available data needed to carry out the required studies. CHEC will undertake the required feasibility studies at no cost to the Government.
“The traffic that we face in St. Ann is a consequence of the rapid development that has taken place in that region over the past decade. Development is a symbol of the prosperity that has happened over the past several years. This initiative will alleviate the traffic on the North Coast Highway in St. Ann and increase access to lands for housing, agriculture, and business,” said Hon. Robert Morgan, Minister Without Portfolio with responsibility for works.
The Government’s commitment to infrastructure development continues to drive national growth, enhance road safety, and support sustainable economic development across the island.