AGOLE BRIDGE OPENED

MP for the area, Hon. K. D Knight (with scissors) and Minister Robert Pickersgill cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the Agole Bridge.

The Agole Bridge in St. Catherine was opened by Minister Robert Pickersgill and MP for the area Mr. K.D Knight on Friday, June 15.

The bridge located in East Central St. Catherine falls under the responsibility of the Parish Council but was replaced by the National Works Agency when its poor condition was brought to the attention of the Agency. The Bridge was designed by the National Works Agency (the sub-structure) and Mabey and Johnson Ltd. (the super structure). Mabey and Johnson supplied the bridge while the construction was done by Kingston Industrial Construction at a cost of $14M.

Scope of works relative to the bridge included:

• Preparation of soil replacement foundation
• Construction of two concrete re-inforced abutments with protection
• Launch and installation of a Compact 20 Modular 140 foot long bridge
• Construction of 600 metres of approach roads

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Robert Pickersgill said, " .the construction of the Agole bridge forms part of the government's thrust to replace 80 bridges islandwide under the Mabey and Johnson Bridge Programme and the Government of Jamaica Bridge Programme.

Continuing, he asserted, " .the Government remains committed to the development of the island's main road network. I have often said that the road to development, is the development of roads. This bridge will have a profound impact on the lives of all persons residing in the Agole community and its environs."

Also speaking at the ceremony, was MP for the area, Mr. K.D Knight who thanked all the various stakeholders who worked to the completion of the bridge. He noted that the presence of the bridge will only enhance the development potential of the area.

On hand to witness the ceremony, were officials from the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Works; the NWA and the community