Government rolls out $1.4 billion phase two of GO Road rehab programme

The expanded initiative will focus on heavily trafficked corridors vital to public transportation, commerce, emergency services, tourism, and the daily commute of thousands of Jamaicans. It forms part of a broader national road improvement strategy that integrates urgent repairs with long-term rehabilitation under programmes such as SPARK and the Accelerated Bridge Programme.

Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, said the second phase is a direct response to concerns raised by motorists, commuters, transport operators, businesses, and community groups.

“We have heard the call from the public. We understand the frustration of road users, and we accept that many Jamaicans are facing difficult daily commutes because of the condition of some of our main roads,” Morgan said. “This second phase of GO Road Rehab is intended to move quickly on priority thoroughfares and deliver practical improvements where they are urgently needed.”

The minister pointed to sustained pressure on the nation’s road network from prolonged, intense rainfall and lingering damage from Hurricane Melissa. While emergency response works have been ongoing, many corridors continue to show accelerated deterioration due to saturated road bases, compromised drainage systems, failed pavement sections, and overall weather-related stress on infrastructure.

“Many of our roads were already vulnerable, and Hurricane Melissa further exposed those weaknesses,” Morgan added. “We have also had above-average rainfall across much of the island over the last six months. That is why the government has had to combine emergency rehabilitation, targeted resurfacing, drainage interventions, and larger-scale road works.”

Under phase two, the National Works Agency (NWA) will carry out targeted patching, resurfacing, drainage-related interventions, and other improvements based on technical assessments. Priority will be given to roads with high traffic volumes, significant surface deterioration, and strategic importance to local economies and communities.

The NWA will lead implementation and provide regular updates as works are scheduled and executed.

“This is not a cosmetic exercise,” Morgan said. “This is about safety, dignity, and economic survival for road users who have waited too long for relief.”