National

Assessment Of NP Bridges By End Of Year

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – An assessment is in the works for bridges in NP which could result in heavy equipment vehicles getting weight restrictions.

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2022

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – An assessment is in the works for bridges here in New Providence which could result in heavy equipment vehicles getting weight restrictions to cross the bridges leading to and from Paradise Island. It could also mean a hike in bridge tolls.

A toll increase for heavy equipment vehicles is up for consideration, according to Bridge Authority Chairman Basil Longley. He says the authority is concerned about the impact those vehicles are having on the bridges.

As a result, Longley says the authority plans on doing a study which could result in weight restrictions and that the assessment will happen this year.

He gave the assurance that the toll increase will be focused solely on heavy equipment.

The Sydney Poitier Bridge was constructed in 1998 and opened to traffic in December of that year. The bridge is 1930 feet long, and 52 feet wide with a single 7 feet wide pedestrian sidewalk. Meanwhile, the older bridge commenced construction in 1966 and opened to traffic in April 1967. The bridge is 1560 feet long and 36 feet wide.

Longley insists the structure of the bridges is sound.

The bridge authority chairman added funding isn’t an issue.