Traffic lights being installed at busy Portmore intersection

The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced installation of traffic lights at the busy four-way intersection of George Lee Boulevard and Southern Parade, near the HEART Academy in Portmore.

The long-awaited project is being welcomed by residents and local officials alike, as the intersection has long been a hotspot for road accidents.

Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas said the move was a crucial step toward improving road safety and order in the municipality.

"We have experienced numerous traffic accidents resulting in lost of lives over the years. So this is vital to regulating traffic flow at this intersection, this marks a significant improvement in Portmore," Thomas said on Tuesday.

According to Mayor Thomas, West Indies Home Contractors has contributed $20 million to fund the project, following strong advocacy from the Portmore Municipal Council.

The project will unfold in phases. Phase two will include widening the roads to create dedicated turning lanes. This is intended to ease congestion for vehicles travelling from Waterford to the HEART Academy and for those turning onto Augusta Drive from George Lee Boulevard.

Thomas also revealed that discussions are ongoing to have surveillance cameras installed in the area under the JamaicaEye programme to enhance monitoring and public safety.

In addition, the Portmore City Municipality will spearhead the extension of the sidewalk from South Parade to the Waterford traffic light as its main Labour Day initiative this year.

- Ruddy Mathison

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.