ESHER, Hanover – The long-awaited bypass that is expected to solve traffic congestion and spur economic development in Lucea, Hanover, will be four lanes wide and completely funded by the Jamaican taxpayer.

Government Senator Charles Sinclair gave an update while addressing a recent Rotary Club of Lucea event in Hanover.

“The project, which is still on the drawing board, will see a highway running from Anchovy [in St James] through to Lucea. This is being aligned to run three kilometres south of the existing coastal road and will consist of four lanes being the length of 30 kilometres,” stated Sinclair, who noted that Anchovy will be connected to the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

The senator is not a fan of the word ‘bypass’ which, in his view, conveys the image of important places being skipped as alternative routes are used. In providing Rotarians with an update, he said the planned project will be another option to travelling through the towns of Hopewell, Sandy Bay and Lucea.

“It will facilitate the easier movement of traffic from an urban centre into what should be developed into another major centre on our western coast, which is Lucea,” stressed Sinclair.

He also spoke about the expected economic spin-offs.

“The construction of that road will grant Lucea an opportunity for development in becoming a more significant resort town. And, in addition to that, you have the projects taking place in Hanover [such as] Princess Hotel, which is almost complete and that should commence operations in 2024 — a 2,000-room project. You have the [1,000-room] Viva Wyndham Resort which is to commence in Rhodes Hall and also the 1,000-room Grand Palladium Hotel extension that will also take place,” stated Sinclair.

He was unable to provide the cost and a start-up date for the Lucea bypass project. However, he did say that — like the one planned for Montego Bay — good management of the economy has allowed the Government to construct the road without the need for borrowing.

Meanwhile, Sinclair also provided details about a four-lane road planned for another section of the Northern Coastal Highway, between Sea Castle in St James and Mammee Bay in St Ann.

“That will bypass the difficult areas that you have [such as] Priory and Discovery Bay. You know when you get into those areas, you end up in a lot of traffic. Those roads will basically become internal roads and it will facilitate a certain type of coastal development and you move residential [expansion]…more inland,” he told Observer West.

He was also unable to provide a price tag for that project but did say preliminary work is expected to begin before the one planned for Hanover.

“The Government of Jamaica has entered into an agreement with the International Finance Corporation to act as transaction advisors in relation to the expansion of the North Coast Highway project,” stated Sinclair.

During the Rotary Club of Lucea event where he was speaking, Neville Anderson was installed as president for calendar year 2023/2014. The event was held at the Global Villa Hotel in Hanover.