The toll-free period for use of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) is being extended to July 1, 2024.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during his contribution to the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 21.
He said that the extension is being granted to facilitate the conclusion of negotiations with TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH), which operates the East-West Highway from Caymanas to May Pen, under a Concession Agreement.
Noting that TJH has a Right of First Refusal to operate the new May Pen to Williamsfield Highway, Holness explained, “TJH has exercised their right under the Concession Agreement by making an offer to the Government of Jamaica. This offer is being evaluated by independent financial advisors and negotiations are ongoing.”
In the meantime, the Prime Minister reminded that the government intends to move further westward from Williamsfield in Manchester to Hodges in St. Elizabeth.
This extension will include a Northern Mandeville Bypass, a Spur Tree Bypass, a Southfield Bypass, and a Black River Bypass.
“Value engineering exercises have been performed to reduce the project cost and at the same time increase its functionality. The residents of South St. Elizabeth will be a part of the stakeholder consultation process to ensure their input is obtained and incorporated from the design stage of this project,” the Prime Minister said.
