The National Works Agency (NWA) will next Monday, June 1, commence the construction of a bridge to replace the Ford along Waterloo Road in St. Andrew. The bridge which is being built at a cost of just over one point nine two million US dollars (US$1.92) will be constructed to accommodate four lanes of traffic at a time.
Come next Monday, contractors working on behalf of the NWA, will begin preliminary works in the vicinity of the Ford. The works includes the relocation of Jamaica Public Service Company poles and Ducts belonging to cable and telephone companies.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says the construction of the new bridge will be undertaken in two phases. Phase one is expected to be completed within three months and will see work being done on the eastern side of the Ford.
Mr. Shaw says upon completion, traffic will be allowed to use these two lanes, during which time phase two of the project will get underway. Phase two of the project will see the construction of the other two lanes to the west of the current Ford and should be completed by the end of December 2009.
In the meantime, Mr. Shaw is advising motorists to expect major traffic changes along Waterloo Road, starting the third week of June, for the during of phase one of the project. The changes will see movement within the vicinity of the Ford being managed by electronic signals and the implementation of a one way system.
During the first phase of construction, single lane traffic will be accommodated at the Ford as follows; there will be one way movement for southbound traffic (motorists heading from the direction of Shortwood/Grants Pen), between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mondays to Fridays. The alternative route for northbound traffic during this period is west along West Kings House Road, north along Constant Spring Road, then east along Shortwood Road.
Northbound one-way movement across the Ford will be allowed during the afternoon peak period, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p. m., Mondays to Fridays. The alternative route for southbound traffic during this period is west along Shortwood Road, then south along Constant Spring Road.
Two way movement across the Ford will be allowed during off peak periods. This movement will be controlled by traffic lights.
