MONTEGO BAY, St James — Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon is asking the more than 30,000 people affected by the absence of a functional bridge to be patient.

He said $13 million worth of work is being done to replace the structure at the intersection of Farm Road and Valley Heights in the western city. The goal is to get the job done in time for the next school term in September.

Vernon made the appeal for patience on Thursday during the monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation. He also announced plans for rehabilitation of the bridge.

“I know that this is a major inconvenience to the residents of Cornwall Courts and surrounding Green Pond area and Porto Bello residents,” he said.

“It is a priority matter on the agenda of the St James Municipal Corporation,” he assured. “It will be done at a cost of $13 million, which we are mobilising.”

The bridge showed early signs of collapse last Tuesday and a fire truck fell into a gaping hole left in the undermined surface. The damage worsened a day later with the rages of Hurricane Beryl.

The mayor is hoping repairs can be done over the summer.

“The reconstruction of the bridge at the intersection of Farm and Valley Heights, which serves the communities that I just mentioned, will be done before the new school term in September,” he promised.

Commuters from Cornwall Courts and adjoining areas have had to use more costly routes since the destruction of the bridge.

“We are aware that there has been a 40 per cent increase in taxi fares due to the alternative route but we want you to understand that we are working in your best interest and this will be done in a quick way so as to facilitate the restoration and back to normalcy,” mayor Vernon said.

“At this time I beg, I beseech and crave and all the words that would allude to patience of the persons who are utilising that thoroughfare because we have to ensure that it is done properly and we have to ensure that at the end of the day, it is safe for the persons who are utilising it,” he added.