Grange Lane expansion to support Portmore growth

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says expansion of Grange Lane in Portmore, St Catherine, is a proactive measure aimed at preparing for the anticipated increase in traffic resulting from the Bernard Lodge development and the proposed transition of Portmore to a parish.

During a tour of the dualisation project last Friday, Holness said Portmore was selected because of the rapid increase in vehicular traffic in the area.

"But more than that, this is kind of a pre-emptive development because we have invested heavily in the Bernard Lodge development, and that will bring even more traffic into Portmore. But more importantly, as Portmore becomes a parish, it is important that it has a road network that can carry the traffic and, indeed, support the development of an urban cluster within the parish," Holness pointed out.

He said the rationale behind selecting Grange Lane for expansion was based on how narrow the thoroughfare was, and with the ingress and egress of traffic, the flow would often slow down significantly.

Varden Downer, National Works Agency senior director of project implementation, shared that each intersection along Grange Lane will be equipped with traffic signals. The project will also include broadband and fibre-optic infrastructure, as well as an upgraded drainage system, including storm-water drainage. Additionally, four bus bays will be installed along the roadway. These will allow buses to stop without impeding the flow of traffic.

Paving stones are being used for streetscaping, and the Forestry Department will collaborate on planting trees to beautify the area.

Provision is also being made for persons who are wheelchair users or visually impaired with the installation of a tactile mat into the sidewalk that will emit vibrations when persons step on it. This will alert a disabled person when they are at a safe crossing point.