Seawater halts Lucea road repairs after just one day

A crucial road rehabilitation project in Lucea, Hanover, has hit a snag just one day after starting, with seawater disrupting repair works on the town's main thoroughfare, Seaview Drive.

“

The works form part of a 54-million-dollar initiative to improve the driving experience of motorists using several corridors in the parish of Hanover.

The National Works Agency (NWA) had planned to begin the $54-million project on August 10, aiming to improve several road corridors in the parish. However, seawater inundated the road shortly after repairs commenced, forcing a suspension of the work. "We were not able to do all areas (as planned), as seawater came onto the road and impacted the efforts. We are planning to approach it differently," stated Stephen Shaw, NWA's manager of communication and customer services.

This setback underscores a persistent issue in Lucea, where parts of the town lie below sea level, causing sections of Seaview Drive to flood rapidly during rainfall. This flooding complicates both daily travel and essential infrastructure maintenance.

“

We were not able to do all areas (as planned), as seawater came onto the road and impacted the efforts. We are planning to approach it differently.

Despite the delay on Seaview Drive, Shaw confirmed that other aspects of the rehabilitation program, including drain cleaning and work on the Venture Gutter, will proceed. The NWA is coordinating with the National Water Commission (NWC) for drain flushing. Repair work on Seaview Drive will resume once the roadway is clear of seawater.

“

The agency (NWA) has sought the assistance of the National Water Commission (NWC) to assist in having these drains flushed, the drain-cleaning works are slated to be done between August 15 and 16.

Commuters expressed their frustration with the ongoing road conditions. A bus driver lamented the lengthy travel times through Lucea, hoping for a significantly reduced commute once repairs are complete. Heatha Miller-Bennett, Member of Parliament for Hanover Western, also voiced concerns, emphasizing Seaview Drive's importance as a link between Montego Bay and Negril and noting the negative impact on parish productivity and vehicle damage.

“

As soon as we are able to get the water off the roadway (Seaview Drive), the work will restart, as the directives have been given and we are working towards the completion of that project within days.