Cracks force closure of Falmouth’s Rock Bridge
Published:Friday | March 1, 2019 | 12:00 AMLeon Jackson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Structural damage to the Rock Bridge in Falmouth, Trelawny, has forced parish authorities to order its closure despite disapproval from and bewilderment of some local stakeholders.
The 100-year-old steel bridge, which spans the mouth of the Martha Brae River, was closed at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday with a sign saying ‘Road Closed’ and a mound of dirt blocking access. The Rock Bridge facilitates access between Falmouth and the Rock Fishing Village and was a route popularly used by fishermen.
“I regret the sudden closure, but the condition of the bridge meant a decision had to be made,” said Falmouth Mayor Collen Gager, who said the bridge was in disrepair and a threat to public safety.
“A private boat owner was employed to carry a technical team from NWA (National Works Agency) to observe the condition of the metal support under the bridge. What they saw was danger staring them in the face. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but that is less costly to residents and visitors than the loss of lives,” added Gager.
The sudden closure of the bridge has left several prominent stakeholders in the western parish fuming as they felt slighted at being left out of the decision making.
“There is no information coming from National Works Agency, and frankly, I do not know the extent of damage to the infrastructure,” said North Trelawny Member of Parliament Victor Wright, who was among those taken by surprise by the action.
“I don’t know if it is a permanent decision. I have a meeting planned with NWA, and hopefully, they will let me know what to tell my constituents,” added Wright.
But Gager said he sought and got permission from the Port Authority of Jamaica to use lands south of the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier to provide an alternative route. He said some streets would now have to operate as one-ways to minimise congestion.
The closure has already begun to affect business operators in the vicinity of the bridge.
“Six hours into the closure and I am already seeing a slowing down of business,” said Dowen Virgo, who operates a petrol station in Rock. “I employ some 50 persons, and if this closure is for very long, it is going to affect my staff. There will definitely be a laying off of staff.”