Bridge work gets thumbs up
Published:Friday | July 29, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
ST MARGARET'S BAY, Portland:
STATE MINISTER in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Othneil Lawrence, on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction with the scope of work being done on the US$28-million, state-of-the-art bridge at Rio Grande, Portland.
Lawrence toured the site with a team from the National Works Agency (NWA) to have a first-hand look at the work which started in October last year.
"I am impressed with what I am seeing. The technology and methodology being used here is exceptional, especially with the known fact that this river never runs dry," Lawrence said.
He added, "I am also impressed with the fact that training is actually taking place, and our own local residents are benefiting from this.
Chinese nationals and local persons from several communities, including Hope Bay, Buff Bay, Snow Hill, and Saint Margaret's Bay are working on the bridge.
Ahead of schedule
Meanwhile, Patrick Wong, CEO of the NWA, pointed out that the work is ahead of schedule and should be completed on time. He said the workforce is split evenly between the Chinese and locals. He noted that the Chinese are carrying out the technical part of the job and the skills are being passed on to locals.
"The people of Portland will be getting value for money. Already, they have completed the construction of a temporary bridge, which will lay the foundation for the new bridge. With the temporary bridge now in place, it makes it much easier to drive the many piles, which will allow for the actual construction of the new bridge."
The new bridge will replace the old railway bridge currently in use. The work is schedule for completion in July 2012, and the finished project will see a bridge stretching from the border of west Portland, across the Rio Grande, linking Snow Hill in east Portland.