Minister with responsibility for the Works Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Clifford E. Warmington has disclosed that the National Works Agency, NWA, will replace a number of bridges island-wide at a cost of over $1.2 billion.

Speaking yesterday (May 31, 2023), during his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament, Minister Warmington noted that the NWA has already completed the design parameters for eight of ten bridges with the designs for another two bridges scheduled to be completed by the end of August this year.

“Over the years, under the heading of bridges, we were only allocated about $70 million. This amount very often could not fix even one structure, so many were unable to be repaired. Thankfully, Madam Speaker, this year we have a significant change which we intend to make it possible for more people to “cross it” and do so safely”.

The bridges to receive attention during this fiscal year are Troy in Trelawny; Craigmill in Portland; Spring Village and Guanaboa Vale in St. Catherine; Southwood in Clarendon; Barham and Shewsbury/Logwood in Westmoreland; Mahogany Vale in St. Thomas; Penfield in St. Andrew and Woodsville in Hanover.

Minister Warmington further disclosed that a rail repair programme would also be carried out on bridges in St. James and St. Elizabeth.

“I have been travelling around the Island and I see many bridges without rails. I have instructed that we urgently implement a programme for the repairs of some of these rails. This year, we will be targeting some fifteen bridges in St. James and St. Elizabeth, where rails need to be replaced. We intend to spend some $35 million on this effort”, the Minister stated.

The bridges in St. James that will benefit under the programme include Howard Cooke Bridge; West Gate Bridge; John’s Hall Bridge; Retrieve Bridge; Seven Rivers Bridge; Ducketts Bridge; Great River Bridge and the Niagara Bridge.

“In St. Elizabeth, we will be implementing a permanent fix to the ongoing problem of missing rails on the Lacovia Bridge” Minister Warmington disclosed.

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