A boy points at the bridge at Broadgate, St. Mary, that collapsed recently.- File

Broadgate, St. Mary

Work on a new bridge for the Broadgate community in St. Mary will commence in the final week of June, said Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill.

Mr. Pickersgill made the announcement on Wednesday during his Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives.

"...We recognise the impact on the community of Broadgate in St. Mary. We are finalising the procurement process for the contractor to construct a new bridge," he told the House.

"In the interim, the piles have already been delivered to the site of the construction. The intention is to construct a pier (column) in the river to facilitate the erection of the new bridge, which is also already on site," he added.

The Broadgate Bridge collapsed in February while approximately 20 persons returning from a football match in the area attempted to cross.

Fourteen persons were seriously injured including a pregnant woman.

Since its collapse, the National Works Agency (NWA) and the parish council have been at odds over who is responsible for the maintenance of the bridge.

Other bridges

Meanwhile, Mr. Pickersgill said other bridges will also be constructed during this financial year. This includes bridges at the Cassia Park and Queensborough fords in St. Andrew.

Tenders have also been advertised for the Kings Valley Bridge in Westmoreland and Harbour Head Bridge in St. Thomas, which, he said, would be constructed this year.

"The much-needed Yallahs Bridge will be constructed. This, despite the fact, that persons are willing to play politics with this development," he said.

"We will hold community meetings to discuss the impact of the construction process on the surrounding communities. We are projected to break ground in another six weeks," Mr. Pickersgill explained.