Section of May Pen Bridge walkway to be closed over safety issues, says Mayor Williams

Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Joel Williams, says a section of the pedestrian walkway on the May Pen Bridge will be closed because of safety concerns.

Williams made the announcement on Thursday during this month’s meeting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation's council.

The May Pen Bridge, which crosses the Rio Minho, is one of the principal entry points into the parish capital, carrying thousands of motorists and pedestrians daily.

“The necessary assessments have now been completed, and as an immediate safety measure, plans are in place to block off one of the pedestrian walkways that poses serious risk to our foot-commuting residents. While we continue to push the NWA (National Works Agency) for the commencement of repair works, we are also ensuring that residents are fully informed of the hazard. Public safety remains non-negotiable,” Williams said.

Describing the matter as one of critical infrastructure and public safety, the mayor said his office formally wrote to the NWA outlining concerns about the condition of the walkway. This was followed by a joint site visit with representatives of the agency and other stakeholders to assess what he said were issues relating to the structural integrity of the bridge, particularly areas heavily used by pedestrians.

He said warning signs and other precautionary measures will be implemented to safely redirect foot traffic while discussions continue with the NWA regarding long-term repairs to the historic structure.

- Olivia Brown

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