Montego Bay Perimeter Road project paused after fatal accident

Work on the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project has been paused following the fatal accident of supervising engineer Clifton Archibald James. Mr. James, 58, was struck and crushed by a reversing heavy construction truck while taking measurements at the site on September 3.

Minister Robert Morgan, representing the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, stated that the government is demanding a review of safety procedures from the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) is awaiting a report from the contractor regarding improved safety mechanisms before determining when work can resume.

While the project is approximately 90 percent complete, the pause may impact the planned late-September opening of the bypass leg. Minister Morgan emphasized a “zero tolerance approach” toward safety failures on major infrastructure projects.