Nwa paving the way

See related pictures on pages 2 $86M Road Safety Enhancement Tips for Increasing Hurricane Season Programme Coming ... p. 2 Productivity in the Preparedness ... p. 22 workplace ... p. 10 ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 2 $86M Road Safety Enhancement Programme Coming The National Works Agency (NWA) is gearing up to roll out a major road safety enhancement proramme along several corridors across the island. The programme which is valued at over $86 million dollars will target six (6) heavily trafficked roadways. The programme will involve lane markings, installation of guard rails and repainting of pedestrian crossings and is expected to commence in the latter half of the year. Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says that the effort is part of the NWA’s thrust to enhance safety along the main road network. He says the works will include the re-painting of lines, as well as the installation of Raised Road marking srecently compl eted along the Pavement Markers (RPMs). to Sandy Bay Clarendon co Mineral Heigh ts rridor The roadways to be targeted under the programme are: Ferris Cross to Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland; Municipal Boulevard in Portmore, from Mandela Highway to Hellshire; Old Harbour Roundabout to Caymanas Crossing; Spur Tree to Williamsfield in Manchester; Whitney Turn to Trinity in Clarendon and Buff Bay to Hope Bay Police Station in Portland. Once completed, it is expected that motorists will be better able to maneuver these major corridors safely. Mr. Shaw says that the NWA will be embarking on an extended programme later this year, as it seeks to make the road network safer for the travelling public. The new road marking program will definitely be welcomed, not “the NWA will be only by motorists and pedestrians but also by other stakeholders such as the Road Safety Unit, who see the undertaking as embarking on an a much-needed step toward improving road safety across the country. Many believe that the new markings will be extended programme particularly beneficial especially on the busier thoroughfares and intersections. later this year” The program is set to begin later this year, with installations and markings taking place across the country over several months. Overall, the new program is an important step toward improving road safety and reducing the number of accidents on our roads. With better visibility and clear markings, drivers will be better equipped to navigate our roads safely and confidently. 3 NWA Completes Repair of Pinnock to Shaftson Roadway in Eastern Westmoreland Marked improvement! A view of the Pinnock Shaston roadway before (left), and after(right) a major effort to upgrade the roadway. Residents of the small rural community of Pinnock Shafston are now breathing a sigh of relief as the National Works Agency (NWA), through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has completed repairs to a section of the roadway. Pinnock Shafston is a small rural community located in the quiet hills of Eastern Westmoreland. The roadway had deteriorated over several years to a state that many residents found unbearable. The road surface was heavily pitted, and devoid of an asphalt surface. Such was the state of the roadway that many public transport operators refused to traverse the corridor, instead only opting to take their clients to a point, leaving them to find alternative solutions to undertake the remainder of the journey. This Final Inspection! forced residents to navigate the steep terrain with their bags At left, Parish Manager – NWA Westmoreland, David Clarke, peruses and small children in tow, which proved quite a burdensome contract documents for the Pinnock Shaftson roadway, on site, with undertaking for many. Quality Assurance Officer – Western Region NWA, Bobbeth Morris, (middle) and Senior Quality Assurance Officer - NWA, Noel Cover. It was therefore no surprise that the Roadster team was met with expressions of jubilation, when they visited the area in forward to further work to rehabilitate the full length of the October 2022, ahead of the start of the project. Residents at corridor. For them, the completed project, is a small step in that time welcomed an initiative that, for them, was 30 years the right direction. in the making. Now, five months later, the project is complete and residents are happy with the repairs. The project was valued at $ 4.7 million and involved the rehabilitation of approximately 800 metres of roadway Though grateful for the works undertaken thus far along to include drainage improvement and the reshaping and a portion of the corridor, many residents are now looking asphalting of the road surface. ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 4 Major Road Repairs for the Falmouth to Springvale Corridor in North Trelawny A view of a completed section of the Wakefield to Deeside roadway in Northern Trelawny. The governments’ push to improve the quality of roads in Northern Trelawny continues with more work being undertaken along the Falmouth to Springvale main road. This is welcomed news for residents and other stakeholders who have, over time, loudly voiced their concern regarding the state of the roadway. The government in February 2023, commenced another phase of improvement to this very busy corridor that spans some 20 kilometres. The new phase targets approximately 500 metres of roadway, between the Martha Brae and Holland communities. Approximately $15 million has been devoted to this effort and work is now well underway. The project involves drainage improvement, base improvements, and road resurfacing. The corridor has been the source of numerous protests over the years, as residents grew angry at the state of disrepair. Among the strongest cries were those of taxi operators who complained of the toll that the road condition was taking on their vehicles and the negative impact of same on their profit margin. The corridor is a major thoroughfare, linking several communities to the town of Falmouth and beyond. Among the communities whose residents utilize this corridor are Martha Brae, Holland, Bounty Hall, Wakefield, Dromily and Deeside. These are well established communities which continue to grow as more persons are drawn to the developing parish of Trelawny. There are also several businesses, schools, churches spanning the full length of the corridor. Continued on page 4 ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 5 Major Road Repairs for the Falmouth to Springvale Corridor in North Trelawny ... Continued from page 4 Over the years there have been several initiatives to repair the corridor, but it was evident that there was the need for major repairs, a costly undertaking, which required some amount of preparation and financial maneuvering. It is against this background that a phased approach was conceptualized and is now underway. The first phase of this repair effort commenced in August 2022, with the repair of the Wakefield – Deeside, Trelawny. Wakefield to Deeside corridor. Drainage improvement was an important component of the repairs to the Wakefield to Deeside corridor. Pictured here, is a Concrete Cross Drain which was constructed along a section of the roadway. The project which is now Several other drainage features were installed along critical points along the corridor. substantially complete is valued at approximately $145 million and involves significant drainage improvement, and paving. A number of additional safety features including a pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and road markings will also be installed. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), through the NWA, is now actively exploring financing options for the rehabilitation of the remaining sections of the road from Falmouth to Martha Brae to Holland, Trelawny Excavation works being carried out ahead of the installation of a Concrete Cross Drain. Springvale. In the meantime, work is also underway along the Deeside to Dromily roadway. This roadway is located off the Falmouth to Springvale main road. Currently, $18 million is being spent to upgrade some 700 metres of roadway, to include drainage improvement and the resurfacing of the targeted section. The project which commenced in March is expected to be completed by the A view of a section of the Martha Brae to Holland roadway where a end of May 2023. concrete drain was recently installed. ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 6 Lady Musgrave Dualization Coming In recent years, the city of Kingston, Jamaica, has seen a significant increase in traffic congestion. The government has been exploring various measures to mitigate this issue, and one of the solutions proposed is the dualization of both East Kings’ House Road and Lady Musgrave Road. This project, which is expected to commence before the end of the calendar year, has been met with both excitement and concern from residents and commuters. East Kings’ House Road and Lady Musgrave Road are two of the busiest thoroughfares in St. Andrew. They connect major residential areas to the central business district, government offices, and tourist attractions. The roads are also used by many commuters who work in the Central Business District of New Kingston but live in neighbouring parishes. As a result, the roads are often congested, especially during peak hours. The East Kings’ House Road/Paddington Terrace/Halifax Avenue intersection for example carries a traffic count of over 40,000 motorists on an average 12 hour day, while the Hope Road/ Lady Musgrave Road/ East Kings’ House Road Intersection sees over 70,000 vehicles over the same time frame. The proposed dualization project aims to widen the roads, create additional lanes, and install traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic. Director, Planning and Research at the NWA, Patrick Rose says the works to be undertaken will not only reduce congestion but also make the roads safer for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. He says the over $2-Billion project will provide turning Continued on page 7 ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 7 Lady Musgrave Dualization Coming ... Continued from page 6 lanes at the intersections of : the NWA’s parent Ministry, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) has pledged to plant new • Halifax Ave/Paddington Terrace trees, create green spaces, and install noise barriers along the • Sandhurst Crescent (Southern end) roads. The Ministry has also promised to have additional • Linstone Crescent consultation with the community and stakeholders • Hopefield Avenue throughout the project to ensure their concerns are heard • Montrose Road and addressed. • Argyle Road/Fairway Avenue The dualization of East Kings’ House Road and Lady There will also be the Installation of surveillance cameras and Musgrave Road is a significant project that has the potential license plate recognition cameras at signalized intersections, to improve traffic flow, safety, and access to some of the most as well as the widening of existing box culverts to improve utilized spaces in Kingston. drainage capacity. While there are concerns about its impact on the environment The project has received support from various stakeholders, and communities, the government’s commitment to carrying including the government, business owners, and some out the project in an environmentally friendly manner residents who have been affected by the traffic congestion. and consulting with stakeholders is a positive step toward They believe that the dualization will lead to economic addressing these concerns. Ultimately, the success of the growth, improved productivity, and a better quality of life for project hinges on effective planning, execution, and ongoing residents. monitoring, all of which the NWA is committed to ensuring as it seeks to guarantee that the needs of all stakeholders are Some residents and environmentalists have however met as best as possible. expressed concerns about the impact of the project on the environment and the surrounding communities. They argue Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the that the project will lead to the loss of green spaces, trees, and NWA, Stephen Shaw says the public engagement in respect wildlife habitats. Additionally, they fear that the project will to the project commenced some time ago. He explained that worsen air pollution and noise levels in the area. small plenary type meetings have been held with selected community representatives. The engagements to date include To address these concerns, the government has assured notices in respect to the acquisition of lands and meetings to residents that the project will be carried out in an discuss some of the deliverables under the proposed project. environmentally friendly manner. The government through HIGHLIGHT! The Agency hosted its Annual Health Fair on March 24, 2003. The fair is usally a welcomed change to both staff and any member of the public who wishes to paricipate. There were many displays from corporate entities such as Hyundai; Leasure for Pleasue, Facey Commodity etc, and a Farmers’ Market. Some prizes such at Day passes and Hotel Accomodations were also won. Patrons were also able to get their eyes checked and partake in an exercise session. Photo Captions: Patrons engaging with vendors at the Farmers’ Market (far left) and Exercise Session in full swing! ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 8 The implementation of traffic changes in Mandeville in full gear Intersection at Manchester Shopping Centre and North Race Course After years of lobbying and technical reviews, the long-standing issue of the traffic congestion in Mandeville, Manchester is now set to be distant memory. This as the Greater Mandeville Traffic Management System is now being implemented in this central township. The scope of work includes the widening of the selected roads under the programme, the opening of medians and the implementation of a one-way flow. Work will be done at a cost of just over $40-Million at the following locations: Main Street to Ville Road South Race Course to Caledonia South Race Course Road to Main Street North Race Course Road to Main Street North Race Course Road to Caledonia Road Main Street to Caledonia Road New Green Road to Main Street Perth Road Continued to page 9 ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 9 The implementation of traffic changes in Mandeville in full gear ...Continued from page 8 The works commenced at the end of February and at the end of the quarter (March 2023), some 50% of the activities had been completed. This include the relocation of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) poles and widening work at some locations. These aspect of the works are being done by J and L Construction Company Limited. Another firm – Cenitech Engineering Solutions Limited have been contracted to undertake work to install underground conduits which will facilitate the new traffic lights that are to be installed, as part of the overall plan. In preparation for the works, the NWA undertook several stakeholder meetings. These meetings were staged over the last five years, the last two of which took place between October 2022 and February 2023. Stakeholders invited to participate in the most recent meetings include the Intersection of North Race Course and Hargreaves Drive current Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford, His Worship the Mayor, Donovan Mitchell, Representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Manchester Parish Council, Fire Department, Taxi Association, Flow Communications, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Manchester Parish Development Committee, and the National Water Commission, among others. Participants were given the opportunity to discuss segments of the project in detail and their suggestions were noted for consideration. President of the Manchester Parish Development committee, Mr. Anthony Freckleton was confident that the approach taken to address to the traffic congestion in Mandeville would make the transition as seamless as possible. The work, he remarked, will definitely make life a little bit easier for the motorists, which is the intention North Race Course Road and Caledonia Road intersection behind the project. The Mayor of Mandeville Mr. Donavon Mitchell said that the changes will significantly reduce travel time in the town especially where motorists travelling on Villa Road will be able to turn right at the intersection with Hargreaves Avenue. President of the Chamber of Commerce, Simone Spence Johnson indicated that congestion needs to be eased but that some businesspeople were worried that they will lose customers because of the planned changes. She says that she was awaiting the completion of the project to see the benefits. She was however excited at the prospects of the project being completed in tandem with the opening of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of highway 2000. She retorted that this work would be a game changer for the town of Sidewalk at intersection of main Street and Caledonia Road Mandeville. ROADSTER “Paving the Way” Volume 42 Issue 67 March 2023 10 Tips for Increasing Productivity in the workplace High productivity at the workplace is a sign of a healthy business and work culture. Productivity will increase when your employees are happy, supported and have the right equipment to perform their work tasks. When a company is productive, it increases profitability, lowers production costs and improves customer service and business relationships. The more productive a company is, the easier it is to establish organizational growth and create a healthy work environment. Making minor changes to habits and equipment can drastically improve your business’s productivity and work efficiency. For this reason, here are five tips to increase productivity in the workplace.