New Yallahs bridge to open tomorrow

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Jamaica Observer

Courtesy of Jamaica Observer

THE new Yallahs bridge is to open to the public tomorrow, almost six weeks before its scheduled opening.

Yesterday, Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry expressed satisfaction at the early completion of the $402 million bridge - which was originally scheduled to be completed at the end of October by contractors Pihl and Son. He was, however, concerned about the span and the bridge's ability to withstand major floods.

"The bridge should withstand the highest level of hurricane, which is a category 5, but I am only concerned that the span should have been longer. However, the technical people say it is okay," Henry said during a tour of the bridge yesterday.

He was also assured by project manager at the National Works Agency, Linval Ramdial, that with proper river training, water should not be able to wash out the structure.

This river training, Henry later said, was ongoing work which should continue into the next couple of months.

"We will be removing sand from the river for an excavation eight feet below the existing bridge to ensure the piles are protected," Henry said, adding that the sand would be removed at no cost to the government.

Other ongoing work will include the completion of the road approaching the bridge on either sides which will also include turning on traffic lights and marking white lines.

Yesterday, councillor for the area, Gary Henry, said the opening of the new bridge was a dream come true for the residents of St Thomas.

"We had several demonstrations to get it here and I am so very grateful," he said.

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