Central Andros Bridge Shut Down Over Structural Issues

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ANDROS , BAHAMAS – The Fresh Creek Bridge has long been a lifeline for residents and businesses across Central Andros.

But over the weekend, that lifeline was cut off. These viral videos show the current state of the bridge.

Today, Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs engineers began their assessment.

At the site this morning, Senior Engineer Antonne Taylor said one of the pile caps, the thick concrete foundation at the bottom of the bridge, sank and shifted the weight to one side of the structure.

Works and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said the bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic, and plans are underway to install a temporary bridge within the next two months while a permanent replacement is built.

Clay Sweeting, Minister, Works and Family Island Affairs:

“So we did an assessment last evening along with the technical team to come up with an immediate plan where we ferry cars or vehicles from one side to the other as immediate relief.”

Area MP Leon Lundy stressed just how vital this crossing is to everyday life on the island.

Leon Lundy, MP, Mangrove Cay, Central and South Andros:

“What’s much needed here in Central Andros, this bridge is an economic connection to the northern and southern parts of Central Andros. The airport is on the south, while most of the residents live to the north. So definitely, we need this connection in order to survive and thrive.”

Island Administrator for the Central Andros District, Jackson McIntosh, said the bridge’s closure has already slowed daily life and business, making quick action essential.

Jackson McIntosh, Island Administrator, Central Andros District:

“Well, the bridge is the vein of the economy. The economy traverses from one side of the bridge to the other. We travel by crossing to the other side of the bridge, so if the bridge is disabled, the economy stops. It’s very important that we get some temporary measures in place as soon as possible so there’s no further suffocation of the economy in the area.”

As for the new bridge, Director of Public Works in the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs, Robert Mouzas, explained how teams are preparing a temporary solution while plans for a new, raised, two-lane bridge move forward.

Robert Mouzas, Director, Public Works, Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs:

“The new bridge will be two lanes and raised considerably to about 16 to 20 feet in height. That’s why we have to demolish this bridge.”

With this bridge serving as a vital lifeline for Central Andros, residents are counting on swift action to restore that critical connection.