Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer
The recently reopened Black River Bridge in St. Elizabeth, while under construction. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth:
AFTER BEING closed for almost one year the Black River bridge was reopened to the public, following a short ceremony at the site in Black River, St. Elizabeth, on Friday.
In May last year the National Works Agency (NWA) closed the main bridge, which was badly deteriorated and set up a bailey bride that served as an alternative route to go in and out of the parish capital, from the southern side of the parish.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, said, "The rehabilitation of the Black River bridge, which began in May of last year included the removal and replacement of corroded steel members, repairs to sidewalks and the resurfacing of the bridge deck and approaches with asphaltic concrete.
"My only disappointment is that the residents were not afforded the use of the bridge earlier. This was due in part to the period of inactivity, while we awaited the arrival of troughting plates from the United King-dom," the Minister admitted.
Mr. Pickersgill further explained that the rehabilitation activities undertaken on the Black River bridge are part and parcel of the Ministry of Transport and Works to National Works Agency's Mabey and Johnson Priority Bridge programme. "Under this programme, the ministry intends to spend just over £$22.8 million, to complete rehabilitation of some 40 bridges islandwide."
He said so far 43 bridges have been identified for replacement and two for rehabilitation.
For his part Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth, Donald Buchanan, said he was pleased with the rehabilitation of the bridge and that the work was done within budget.
"The people of Black River have something to smile about; the bridge is again open for public use," Mr. Buchanan remarked.
