With the Bailey bridge spanning the Hope River in Harbour View now accommodating vehicular traffic, a number of safety restrictions are to be put in place for the use of the single-lane facility.
The following restrictions will be applicable to the use of the new Bailey bridge:
- A weight limit of 12 tons will be applied in respect of vehicles using the bridge.
- Among buses, only those carrying up to 15 passengers will be allowed to use the facility, until further notice.
- No large trucks or trailers are allowed to use the bridge at any time.
Just before mid-day on Tuesday, the pedestrian component of the Bailey Bridge was put into operation, bringing much joy to persons from both sides of the river. Since last Friday, many persons have had to resort to trekking across the waters, as a section of the original bridge collapsed during the passage of Hurricane Gustav.
Vehicular access across the bridge is now be controlled with the aid of traffic signals and protective works continue on the five Piers of the original bridge. The Bailey Bridge has been placed on top of the original structure.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the National Works Agency (NWA), Stephen Shaw says the Agency will be monitoring the overall facility for at least two weeks, to determine if any modification(s) are necessary.
In the meantime, the Minister of Transport and Works, Mike Henry is assuring the operators of large trucks and other heavy units that arrangements are being made to establish a Ford in the Harbour View area, to allow for such units to cross the Hope River. The Ford is being built with the involvement of stakeholders in the construction and quarrying industries.
