New Providence Bridge up again

Oct 14, 2008 News

The new Providence Bridge is almost completed.

According to some of the workmen who are rebuilding the Providence Bridge, which collapsed in July, the structure is almost complete and can now accommodate light vehicular traffic.

One of the workmen explained that the work on the bridge would be completed at some time in the very near future.

The workmen noted that, while the bridge is for the most part complete, small additions were being added to the bridge on a daily basis.

A walk path was added to their mandate, and after this had been added, a grill, to prevent cattle and other livestock from crossing the bridge, was added.

Despite this, the workmen said, they are confident of the solidity of the new bridge. They add that, according to their estimates, the bridge could accommodate some 30 tonnes and would last for a minimum of 50 years.

However, it was noted that persons have been removing the sign which warns commuters that ‘no trucks’ should cross the bridge. It is believed that the sign is disregarded by truck drivers, who cross the bridge despite the warnings.

The residents from within the community had bitterly complained about the poor condition of the bridge, before it collapsed. They said that complaints were made to the Ministry of Public Works to have it renovated.

The bridge collapsed at approximately 10:30 hours on July 28 last, under the weight of a cement truck. A man died and another remains hospitalised.