The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced activities to replace a second bridge within the Penfield District in Gordon Town, St. Andrew. The works which got underway on Monday, February 27, is scheduled to be completed within eight months. There are two bridge structures in the community. The first was replaced in 2020.
Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says the existing metal structure was constructed to accommodate pedestrians only. The bridge is however being used by motorists, a matter of concern to the NWA. Mr. Shaw says that the new bridge will be a single lane, six (6) bay modular compact 200 bridge with a span of 18 metres which, when completed, should safely accommodate small vehicles.
A temporary wooden pedestrian facility will be put in place parallel to the existing bridge during the construction period for continued access to the community. Under the contract, valued at just under 25 million dollars, the bridge’s existing concrete abutments will be extended through the construction of rubble stone walls and the approach roads paved with Asphaltic Concrete.
The NWA is urging persons who have to traverse the area during the course of the construction to exercise extreme caution, as it will be an active construction zone.
