Transport Minister Opens Section of Dry River Bridge

KINGSTON — The southern corridor of the new Dry River Bridge, currently being constructed at Harbour View, St. Andrew, is now open to vehicular and commuter access.

Work on that section of the bridge, which comprises two lanes, has been completed and was opened by Transport and Works Minister, Hon. Michael Henry, during a brief ceremony on Sunday Sept. 11.

The bridge, which replaces the previous structure that was washed away two years ago during the passage of Tropical Storm Nicole, is being constructed over 18-months under the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Loan 2026 Rehabilitation Programme, at a cost of approximately US$8.9 million, by civil engineering firm, Kier Construction Limited.

The opening of the southern corridor now enables the contractors to commence work on the northern corridor, which also comprises two lanes. This as the roadway which, up to Sunday, was being used by motors and commuters will have to be closed to facilitate the work. This section of the roadway included the adjacent fording, which was incorporated after the bridge was destroyed. Work is expected to commence immediately, with the contractors mandated to deliver the new four-lane bridge by October 14. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Henry commended Kier Construction Limited on the high standard of work undertaken to date, in executing the project.

“I’m very pleased…and I am sure that all persons (who) will travel across this bridge will…appreciate how important it is, and that we are building a bridge to last (for a long time). The quality of Kier’s work is well known in Jamaica. We welcome their programme of development in the country,” Minister Henry stated, while adding that Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, would be invited to officially open the new structure, on its completion.

Member of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew, where the bridge is situated, Joseph Hibbert, who also commended Kier, pointed out that “we are quite happy to see that, in record time, this distinctive structure has been built”.    

“This soft opening demonstrates the work that has been put in, and I want to say to the persons who travel on this bridge, do so safely,” he said.

Senior Director, National Works Agency (NWA), Earl Patterson, told JIS News that the bridge is being built on a foundation supported by metal piles which have been driven some 35 metres into the ground. He informed that the contractors will, on completion and delivery of the bridge, have one year within which to correct any defects that may exist, while assuring the structure’s durability.

“This bridge is typically designed (with a lifespan) to exceed (anywhere) between 50 and 100 years, all things being equal; unless, of course, you have an earthquake or something (else) that damages the (structure). (But) it will withstand any hurricane that we are accustomed (to experiencing). With piles driven 35 metres into the ground, if you had a washout, the bridge would still be sitting on the piles. So, similar circumstances (as occurred with the previous bridge) would not end up having any similar result,” Mr. Patterson assured.  

By Douglas Mcintosh, JIS Reporter