KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – A contract, valued at $12 million, has been signed for the construction of a major bridge on Barbican Way, in St Andrew, which links most of the communities in Barbican.

The old structure, built several years ago, has become inadequate for traffic, and has been deemed unsafe for pedestrians by the National Works Agency (NWA).

Under the work to be carried out over four months, the existing bridge will be demolished, and a new reinforced concrete box culvert will be constructed within the same alignment of the existing bridge structure.

The new structure is designed with sidewalks, and will be able to accommodate two lanes of traffic, and to effectively channel the flow of storm water.

State Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Richard Azan, said during the construction phase, motorists will encounter some  delays on the roadway.

 He urged personnel from the firm that will be doing the work, Alcar Construction and Haulage Company, to complete the bridge as early as possible.

Azan, along with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Audrey Sewell, and Member of Parliament for North East St Andrew, Delroy Chuck, signed the contract, today (August 18), in Kingston.

 The State Minister said the Barbican bridge is just one of several that the Government has set aside funds to rehabilitate or build, during the current financial year.

For his part, Chuck said he is pleased that the work is to commence. “I am sure the many residents who traverse there, and the number of (motorists) who use it, will also benefit from the opening of the bridge,” he added.