Road safety experts warn that rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa must prioritise climate resilience, safer road design and the most vulnerable road users

Road safety experts are warning that rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa must focus on climate resilience, safer road design and protecting the most vulnerable road users.

Following last October’s devastation, large sections of Jamaica’s road network were left damaged or destroyed, isolating communities and exposing transportation infrastructure weaknesses.

In a statement yesterday, the Jamaica National Foundation noted that 33% of the hurricane damage was related to infrastructure, including roads.

The release quoted Dr. Lucien Jones, Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council and Chairman of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition, who emphasized that Jamaica’s road reconstruction must follow the Safe System approach.

Dr. Jones was supported by IRAP, which highlighted Jamaica’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and the need for rebuilding efforts to address these challenges.

He also pointed out issues such as narrow lanes, poor drainage and inadequate protection for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.