Portland roads impassable amid heavy rains
PORTLAND, Jamaica— The National Works Agency (NWA) is advising that the main road from Buff Bay to White Hall in Portland is now impassable following heavy rains in the parish.
The NWA says the road is blocked in the community of Craigmill, where the river is now in spate.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services, Stephen Shaw says other areas in Portland are also being impacted by the inclement weather. Landslides are impacting the main road from Ecclesdown to Muirton, while rock falls have been reported along the Williamsfield to Haining corridor.
The Craigmill area is navigated with the assistance of a high Ford, as the bridge that was used by motorists was closed several years ago.
A new bridge is now being procured and is to be constructed at the same location as the defective structure.
Shaw says that contractors have been mobilised and that clearance of these corridors is expected before the end of the afternoon, weather permitting.
He is advising residents of flood-prone and landslide-impacted areas of Portland to exercise caution in their travels, over the next several hours, as the rains continue to impact the parish.