With the construction of the Yallahs River Bridge nearing completion, the National Works Agency is now moving to commence a major River Training exercise in order to protect this multi-million dollar investment. The Yallahs River Bridge is being constructed by the Government of Jamaica, under the Mabey & Johnson Priority Bridge Programme at a cost of just over J$400 million.
The contractors E. Pihl & Son expect to complete construction works within another three months and motorists should be able to use the new bridge by the end of October.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, says outstanding works on the 157 metre four span composite bridge include installation of hand rails, street lights, placing of asphalt concrete on the deck and completion of protective works to the east and west bridge abutments.
Mr. Shaw says River Training works to protect the new bridge will commence within the next three weeks. He says NWA work teams will be responsible for clearing the river channel to approximately 300 metres upstream from the bridge. Four contractors have already been employed by the Agency to carry out the Bunding protective wire works.
The Contractors E.Pihl will be responsible for River Training protective works downstream of the bridge. The protective phase of the project is expected to be completed within six months.
