Jamaica and China Harbour Sign MOU for North-South Highway Extension Study

August 4, 2025 / Jamaica Live Medias /

Jamaica Live News Desk- Aug 4, 2025

The Government of Jamaica has officially signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to explore the feasibility of extending the North-South Highway, marking another step in the country’s infrastructure modernization push.

The agreement outlines a two-year feasibility and impact study—at no cost to the Jamaican government—to assess the viability of expanding the vital Highway 2000 corridor. The proposed extension will include the construction of a clover-leaf interchange at Mammee Bay, with the highway stretching westward to Discovery Bay and eastward to Prospect.

🔍 What’s in the MOU?

Feasibility Study (2 Years):
The core of the agreement is a comprehensive, two-year feasibility and impact study to determine whether the extension is technically, environmentally, financially, and socially viable.

No Cost to Jamaica:
Importantly, the study will be fully funded by CHEC, sparing the Government of Jamaica any financial burden during this phase.

PPP Framework:
The final implementation is expected to fall under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where private investment could play a key role in the financing, construction, and operation of the expanded highway.

🌐 What the Project Involves

  • Extension Scope:
    Begins with a clover-leaf interchange at Mammee Bay, extending:
    • Westward to Discovery Bay
    • Eastward to Prospect
  • Strategic Locations:
    These areas are seen as crucial to unlocking development lands, improving tourism access, and easing transport bottlenecks in the northern coastal region.
  • Estimated Cost:
    The full highway extension is projected to cost approximately US$350 million, according to The Jamaica Gleaner.

🇯🇲 National Development Priority

The highway extension has been labeled a national development priority due to its potential to:

  • 🛣️ Ease Traffic Congestion:
    Especially in high-traffic tourism corridors and commuter zones.
  • 💼 Create Jobs:
    Both during construction and through long-term economic stimulation.
  • 🏗️ Unlock New Development Zones:
    Providing access to underutilized lands and promoting commercial, industrial, and residential growth.
  • 📈 Boost Economic Activity:
    By improving logistics, transportation flow, and tourist access along the north coast.

A Long-standing Partnership

CHEC has a history of involvement in Jamaican infrastructure, including the original Highway 2000 North-South link, which transformed travel between Kingston and the north coast. This revised MOU signals a continued strategic partnership rooted in mutual development goals and shared investment in Jamaica’s future.

What’s Next?

With the feasibility and impact studies underway, the government will use the findings to:

  • Determine the best route and engineering plans
  • Evaluate environmental and social impacts
  • Structure an investment model for private-sector participation
  • Identify a qualified partner to lead the construction phase

The Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Daryl Vaz, has emphasized that the extension project represents a “bold step in reshaping Jamaica’s infrastructure landscape,” paving the way for modern connectivity, economic stimulation, and regional development.

As Jamaica moves forward with its Vision 2030 goals, projects like the North-South Highway extension are integral to building a more resilient, connected, and inclusive economy.

Stay with Jamaica Live for continuing coverage as this project develops.

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