YALLAHS BRIDGE OPENED

Minister Mike Henry (right) points out something to Mr. Edgar Llewellyn and Mr. Milton Hodelin both of the NWA.

The new Yallahs Bridge in St. Thomas was opened on to vehicular traffic on Thursday, August 14, 2008, six weeks ahead of schedule.

Speaking at the opening, Works Minister Mike Henry said that he was very pleased at the completion of the bridge which was built at a cost of $402M. It was originally scheduled to be opened at the end of October. He charged the residents to take care of the bridge since it was there facility. The Minister spoke of a number of development plans which were in the pipeline for St. Thomas and said that an assessment was being made with a view to bringing the highway to the parish. He however sounded a warning to persons who engaged in illegal sand mining at the quarries saying that their actions would have a deleterious impact on the bridge and that they would be dealt with if caught.

Continuing, the Minister said, “The bridge should withstand the highest level of hurricane, which is category 5.” Turning to river training, he explained, “We will be removing sand from the river for an excavation eight feet below the existing bridge to ensure the piles are protected.”

Also speaking at the ceremony was, MP for the area, James Robertson who noted that opening of the bridge heralded a new day for St. Thomas and its people. He used the opportunity to thank the various stakeholders, including the National Works Agency, contractor, E.Pihl and Sons and the various workers who were instrumental in the completion of the facility.

For his part, Mayor of Morant Bay, Mr. Hanif Brown who also spoke commended all who took part in the construction of the bridge noting that it was a historic day for the people of St. Thomas. He said that with its completion, investors would feel better investing in the parish.

Even though the bridge is now being used there are some aspects that will still require work to be done. This includes, completion of the road approaching the bridge on either sides, the marking of white lines as well as the turning on of traffic lights. De-silting of the river in the vicinity of Easington is also expected to be done.