Effective mid-night on Saturday, November 7, new traffic arrangements will take effect in the western city of Montego Bay, St. James. The changes will see among other things, the reversal of traffic movement on some corridors and an extension of the one way system on some roadways.
The following changes will be implemented (refer to Map):
- One way system along St. James Street will be extended to its intersection with Barnett Street.
- One way along Barnett Street will be extended to the intersection of Howard Cooke Boulevard.
- Lower Market Street and Strand Street will be one way heading in the direction of Creek Street.
- Church Street will be one way, from Habour Street to Dome Street.
- Union Street will be one way from Dome Street to Habour Street.
- Orange Street will be one way from Church Street to North Street.
- King Street, between Union Street and Market Street will be one way.
- Love Lane will be one way from the intersection of Orange Street to King Street - a reversal of the current traffic movement.
- McCatty Street and Hart Street traffic will flow in a one way direction from the intersection of Cottage Road and McCatty Street to the intersection of Hart Street and Creek Street.
- Church Lane will be one way from St. James Street to Harbour Street.
The new traffic management plan which is being financed through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), follows submissions from all stakeholders. The National Works Agency (NWA) had developed two alternatives to reduce the levels of congestion on the streets of Montego Bay. Both plans were presented to residents for their comments in meetings held in the western city. The plans were also circulated, using the Agency’s website for feedback.
Twenty two intersections have been signalized as part of the plan. The plan has a second phase, which will see a Traffic Management Centre being created and housed at the Church Street Police Station, in order to provide real time information on the traffic situation in the town. The monitoring will be done through the use of Close Circuit Television Cameras that have been positioned at strategic points around the city.
Persons wishing to get further information can call toll free: 1-888-429-5692.
