NWA announces traffic changes at Marcus Garvey Drive, East Avenue intersection

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Sep 05, 2026 12:34 PM | News
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Effective Monday, September 7, 2026, the movement of traffic from Marcus Garvey Drive onto East Avenue in St. Andrew will be modified. The changes will see a dedicated left lane along Marcus Garvey Drive and the strict enforcement of no stopping and no parking rules along lower East Avenue. U-turning movement at the intersection will also be forbidden.

Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the National Works Agency (NWA), Stephen Shaw, says that the changes are being made to reduce morning peak delays along Marcus Garvey Drive. Delays along the corridor impact vehicular access from several locations, including the Portmore Toll Road.

He says that based on traffic studies of the location, over 13,000 vehicles use this intersection on a daily basis. This includes over 1,400 trucks during the busiest hour in the mornings.

Shaw says that the studies show that to effectively move traffic via the Marcus Garvey Drive/East Avenue intersection, a minimum of two through lanes are required. The changes will add capacity for through traffic along the corridor, while at the same time, reduce the delays and or bottlenecks being experienced along East Avenue, due to illegal manoeuvres.

He says that the NWA and the police will be monitoring the changes and will make adjustments, should these become necessary.

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