Traffic Changes Announced for August 10 as JLP, PNP Hold Mass Rallies

Motorists and members of the public are being advised to brace for significant traffic changes and parking restrictions across Kingston this Sunday, August 10, 2025, as both major political parties stage public meetings in two of the city’s busiest intersections — Half-Way Tree and Crossroads.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will be hosting its event in Half-Way Tree Square, while the People’s National Party (PNP) will gather supporters in Crossroads Square.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is widely expected to announce the date of the county’s 18th general election in Halfway Tree.

In anticipation of large crowds, the police have announced that both squares will be closed to vehicular traffic between 12 noon and 12 midnight. Commuters are being urged to complete errands or travel through those areas before midday.

Half-Way Tree Restrictions

To facilitate the JLP’s meeting, traffic diversions in and around Half-Way Tree will take effect from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.
• Constant Spring Road (Southbound): Motorists heading downtown will not be able to continue past the South Avenue intersection.
Alternate routes: via South Avenue to Waterloo Road, then Trafalgar, Holborn, and Knutsford Boulevard, or via Burlington and Sandringham Avenues to Molynes Road and Hagley Park Road.
• Molynes Road (Southbound): Drivers approaching Half-Way Tree will only be allowed to turn left onto Eastwood Park Road. Access to South Odeon Avenue and Courtney Walsh Drive will be restricted.
• Hagley Park Road (Eastbound): Vehicles heading toward Half-Way Tree must turn left onto Eastwood Park Road. No right turns allowed onto South Odeon or Courtney Walsh Drive.
• Hope Road (Southbound): Motorists will not be allowed past the intersection at Winchester and Surbiton Roads.
Alternate route: Winchester to Ruthven, then HWT Road or via Balmoral and Maxfield Avenues.
• Half-Way Tree Road (Northbound): Access will remain open up to Maxfield Avenue, after which diversions will take effect.

Parking for Half-Way Tree Meeting:
• Allowed along Constant Spring Road (western lane only) between South Avenue and Courtney Walsh Drive.
• Along HWT Road between Cargill Avenue and Holy Childhood High School (no parking beyond school).
• Strict no-parking zones: Hope Road, Hagley Park Road, Molynes Road, and Eastwood Park Road.

Crossroads Restrictions

Traffic adjustments around Crossroads will also begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until midnight, to accommodate the PNP’s rally.
• Half-Way Tree Road (Southbound): Vehicles will be diverted at Retirement Road.
Alternate: Turn onto Retirement Road, then to Studio One Boulevard and Slipe Road.
• Orange Street (Northbound): No access past Torrington Bridge.
Alternate: Via Slipe Pen Road, Studio One Blvd, Retirement Road, and back onto HWT Road.
• Old Hope Road (Westbound): Motorists will be diverted at Eureka Road.
Alternate: Via Tom Redcam, Camp Road, and East Queen Street towards Parade.
Additional routing will direct traffic via Eureka, Retirement Road, and Orange Street back into Downtown.
• Marescaux Road (Southbound): No access to Crossroads via Caledonia Crescent.
Alternate: Use Camp Road or Oxford Road via Tom Redcam Road.

Parking for Crossroads Meeting:
• Designated zones include:
• Slipe Road (south of Courts)
• Studio One Blvd (left/western lane only)
• Caledonia Crescent (northbound lane only)
• Off-roads north of HWT/Retirement Road
• Plazas and off-roads east of Old Hope/Eureka intersection

Strictly prohibited: Parking on HWT Road and Old Hope Road.

The police are encouraging all attendees to cooperate with traffic personnel on the ground and to observe posted signs. Pedestrians and motorists alike are being urged to exercise patience, obey the rules, and plan ahead to avoid delays.

Authorities say these measures are aimed at ensuring public safety and the smooth conduct of both events.