Minister Warmington breaks ground for $200 million road project

Minister Warmington, who has portfolio responsibility for works, expressed his satisfaction at the ceremony that the first phase of the project will commence after his announcement one year ago.

“I am indeed happy to be here in support of the Member of Parliament to break ground for the project named Falmouth to Springvale. The entire project itself was priced at a little over $800 million, so it will be done in phases. The first phase is from Wakefield to Deeside, where we allocated $200 million for that section. I was here one year ago to announce the project, that we were going to do it, and I am here one year after to break ground for the project and will be back in a few months to cut the ribbon,” he said.

The project’s corridor links communities such as Martha Brae, Granville, Hammersmith, Bounty Hall, Tilston, Peru, Green Park, Friendship, Wakefield, Deeside, Dromilly, and Bunkers Hill. It is also linked to the main town of Falmouth, the Maroon Town in St. James and St. Elizabeth.

Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament for Trelawny North, Tova Hamilton; Councillor for the Wakefield Division, Jonathan Bartley; the National Works Agency Western Regional Manager, Robert Francis; and contractor for BF Pavement & Consultant, Donovan Bryan.

Minister Warmington noted that this project comes at an opportune time as the condition of the road section had significantly deteriorated, which gave rise to the need for rehabilitation works along this corridor.

He added that the alternate route, which is Martha Brae through Peru, Bunkers Hill, Dromilly to Deeside, was not considered to be a viable option as the condition of the different corridors significantly increased commute time.

Minister Warmington said Ms. Hamilton was instrumental in the commencement of the project through her representation, stating: “We can see that the Member of Parliament through her forcefulness and dedication to the constituency has made the necessary representation and through that, we have been able to address quite a number of roads in her constituency.”

The scope of works includes de-bushing and trimming of banks, earthworks, cleaning of drains, earth-drains outlets, and culverts, construction of catch basins, concrete U & V drains, pavement works, and ancillary road-works.

It is expected that phase two, which extends from Martha Brae to Bounty Hall, will begin early in the next financial year with another $200 million projected cost.