MONTEGO BAY, St James — Ivan Anderson, managing director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), says the soon-to-be-constructed Montego Bay bypass road, will be a toll road.
He pointed out, however, that a substantial subsidy will be required to pay for the construction of the four-lane road, in spite of the toll.
“The fact is, with only 5,000 or 7,000 vehicles on the road even with the toll, that is not going to pay for it. There still has to be a significant subsidy for the project. The toll will be only likely to cover maintenance and a little bit more,” Anderson outlined.
The perimeter road will lead from Ironshore, going through the communities of as Salt Spring, Green Pond, Porto Bello, Fairview, Bogue, and will end at the Howard Cooke Highway.
Anderson noted that only motorists who will be using the full length of the roadway will be required to pay the proposed toll.
“There are a number of users who will be able to use the road free. The only people who will be required to pay are those who use the full length of the road. So, for example, if you are going from Ironshore to Salt Spring, or to Cornwall Courts, you will be able to use the highway free. And, if you are going from Porto Bello to Ironshore, you will be able to use the highway free,” the NROCC managing director explained.
“The other thing that the highway is doing is opening up developments on the southern side of Montego Bay.”
BY HORACE HINES
Observer West reporter
