KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) is urging motorists to proceed with caution when using the Llandewey Bridge in Western St Thomas, after an inspection revealed that a section of the bridge was defective.

 Manager communication and customer services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw, informed that a recent inspection of the bridge found that a small section of the concrete deck had failed.

“An implement, which is visible on approach of the Bridge, has been placed at the location to alert motorists to the state of the structure. This will shortly be supplemented with the erection of the requisite caution signs,” stated the NWA in a release today.

Shaw said the bridge, which links the communities of Llandewey, Ramble and Cedar Valley is being restricted to use by small vehicles only.

The agency said the bridge’s deck is to be temporarily repaired with a metal deck; the works for which is being treated as an emergency.

The structure had previously been identified for replacement by the NWA.

NWA added that survey and designs for these permanent works are currently being finalised.