The National Works Agency (NWA) as part of its mandate, continues to repair, replace and build new bridges across the island. Bridges are an important feature of the road network. The importance of such a structure is often forgotten, until there is an issue such as that which existed in Harbour View, St. Andrew in 2008, when the Dry River Bridge collapsed during the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav.
The NWA has on its books well over 750 bridges along the main road network. The majority of these structures are in good condition, but there are those that require some degree of maintenance, while others are to be replaced. During 2015, the NWA identified 12 structures for repairs or replacing.
Some $250 million is being spent on these structures, some of which are nearing completion. Nearing completion are the Silent Hill Bridge which was 90% complete at the end of the year, having commenced in June. The two structures in the Rio Grande Valley referred to as Jacob River Bridge # 1 and #2 were also 95% complete at the end of the year. In St. James, the Latium Bridge which is valued at $25.2 million was also 95% complete.
Work was completed on the bridge near Fontana Pharmacy along Barbican Road, where just under $12.5 million was expended. Progress was being made on the Forum Bridge with traffic being rerouted onto a Bailey Bridge in order to facilitate work on the permanent structure. The structure at Woodhall is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2016, while the Hellshire Bridge is to be opened during the early part of the summer 2016.
