Residents and stakeholders in Negril, Westmoreland, and its environs, are heaping praises on the recently completed Shared User Path, constructed along the Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland.
"It’s one of the best things to happen to Negril, trust me" was the sentiment of Devon James, a resident who operates a business along a section of the Boulevard. Similar sentiments were issued by other residents and stakeholders who spoke of the benefit of having such a project being completed, along what may be regarded as the hub of tourism related activities in this coastal town.
The Norman Manley Boulevard is located in the area of Negril, which is renowned for its seven miles of white sandy beaches. It is one of the main thoroughfares in this small tourist town, and is home to several large inclusive resorts, small boutique hotels, restaurants and other businesses linked to tourism.
In February 2015 the National Works Agency and the Tourism Enhancement Fund joined forces to undertake a multimillion dollar project, which saw the construction of a 2.5 km path, extending from the Grand Pineapple Hotel, to the Couples Resort.
The project represents the third phase of a targeted approach to improving pedestrian safety along the Boulevard. The earlier phases of the programme involved the construction of 1.5 km of sidewalk between the Negril roundabout and the Grand Pineapple Hotel; the construction of medians and the installation of pedestrian signals at critical points along the corridor.
The sidewalk will function as a shared path, with clearly demarcated areas to be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
