Roadwork takes its toll, probe ordered
Published:Monday | July 5, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Nadisha Hunter, Gleaner Writer
Transport Minister Mike Henry has ordered a probe into the delays being faced by users of the Portmore leg of Highway 2000.
Henry's order comes days after the Portmore Citizens' Advisory Council (PCAC) expressed anger over the toll authority's handling of traffic changes made to facilitate extensive repairs to the highway.
The minister has mandated the combined effort of Highway 2000 contractor, Bouygues, the toll road operator, TransJamaican Highway, and the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) to examine options to reduce the level of peak-hour delay on the Portmore toll road.
A section of the roadway, which is under extensive repairs, has been reduced from six to four lanes overall.
No direct communication
The changes sparked concern from PCAC Chairman Winston Wright who last Thursday said there was no direct communication with the citizens whose lives were being affected, notwithstanding the placement of advertisements in the press.
Wright added that the reduction in toll rates bore no relationship to the inconveniences and suffering being experienced by the residents.
Henry said that although the repair arrangements were advertised and otherwise communicated to residents of Portmore and the wider community, as well as accompanied by a partial toll reduction, it appeared there was need for a further examination of the situation.
He said he would be taking steps to address the situation this week.
"I will be meeting separately with TransJamaican Highway, NROCC and the toll authority to discuss how we can improve the situation and look at all the issues that have been raised," Henry told The Gleaner yesterday.