Kingston, Jamaica: A significant section of Grants Pen Road in St Andrew is scheduled to be closed to vehicular traffic for over two weeks starting Thursday, August 15, 2024, to allow for much-needed repairs. The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced that the closure will last until Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The specific stretch of road affected by this closure lies between Fagan Avenue and Shortwood Road. According to Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, this portion of Grants Pen Road has seen considerable degradation, especially due to water being carried on the wheels of passing vehicles.
“The road comprises both asphaltic concrete and rigid concrete pavement. Over time, the section with the asphaltic concrete has significantly deteriorated and is badly rutted,” Shaw stated.
The repair project, which is expected to span four months in total, aims to extend the rigid concrete section to mitigate the impact of water from the drainage system on the road’s surface. The initiative, valued at $18.1 million, will also involve the construction of new kerb and channel infrastructure, sidewalks, and approximately 600 square meters of hotmix patching.
The NWA is urging motorists to avoid using the road during the closure period and to consider alternative routes such as Shortwood Road, Charlton Road, and Charlton Avenue to access their destinations.
For residents and travelers in the area, this is an essential but temporary inconvenience that will ultimately result in a safer and more durable roadway. The NWA appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding during this period of necessary infrastructural improvement.
