Weight limitation for Black River bridge upped
BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — THE vital bridge at Black River which links coastal sections of the parish of St Elizabeth has the capacity to bear 20-tonne vehicles and not merely 12 tonnes as had been thought in some circles.
Communication Manager of the National Works Agency Stephen Shaw told the Observer West that the 12-tonne limitation came about largely as a result of disrepair and before an upgrade to the bridge was done “round about 2004”.
Shaw said appropriate signs with the 20-tonne limitation were now being fabricated to be placed at the bridge.
The NWA, the St Elizabeth police and truckers recently met to discuss the issue following a police crackdown on “overweight” trucks using the bridge.
Shaw emphasised yesterday that the authorised limit of 20 tonnes would have to be obeyed.
“If that bridge were ever to collapse there would be very negative consequences for everyone,” he said.
Trucks exceeding the 20-tonne limit should use the longer, alternate route through Mountainside, Shaw said.