PORTMORE, St. Catherine

The developers of Highway 2000 say a contract for improvement work on Marcus Garvey Drive to Portia Simpson Square came into force this week, and that work will begin as soon as utilities are relocated by the relevant agencies.

The statement from TransJamaican Highway Limited came in response to public concerns about the lengthy delays faced by motorists travelling along the highway.

"Once work is completed we expect that the situation will improve, but not be solved," TransJamaican said Thursday.

Petition

On Thursday The Gleaner reported that community leaders in Portmore would be stepping up efforts this weekend to get residents to sign a petition calling on Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to address the traffic snarls.

In its statement, TransJamaican said the continued delays experienced by motorists using the Portmore segment of Highway 2000 was "of serious concern to us".

The release added that the delays were the result of the lack of capacity of Marcus Garvey Drive, which forces motorists to slow down, with repercussions all the way to the Portmore Toll Plaza.

"TransJamaican Highway Limited would like to assure the public that the ease of use of Highway 2000 is our singular priority," the release said. "We have done everything within our control to offer hassle-free commuting and it is our hope that all other agencies involved will treat the resolution of the traffic problem with the deserved urgency."