Minister with responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID),  Robert Nesta Morgan, has announced that reconstruction of the Over River community bridge in East Central St. James is 80 per cent complete, with full vehicular access on track to be restored by mid-October.

The original bridge was dislodged and washed downstream during the passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Heavy debris, including a truck, was swept down the river and struck the structure, causing severe structural damage. Specialised equipment had to be deployed to retrieve and dismantle the damaged bridge before reconstruction could begin.

The National Works Agency (NWA) has incorporated significant engineering improvements into the reconstruction to strengthen the bridge’s resilience to future severe weather events.

New concrete abutments have been constructed on both sides of the river to raise the bridge one metre above its previous level. The increased clearance will allow more space for floodwaters and debris to pass beneath the structure, reducing the risk of impact damage.

The bridge span has also been lengthened to accommodate the wider river channel resulting from extensive bank erosion during the hurricane.

Minister Morgan also highlighted the installation of a temporary pedestrian crossing in time for the start of the school year, providing relief for residents while reconstruction continues.

“I am pleased that the teams at the National Works Agency were able to put a temporary pedestrian crossing in place in time for back-to-school,” Minister Morgan said. “We understood the hardship the loss of this bridge had placed on families. Ensuring that children and teachers could cross safely to get to school was a priority.

He noted that the remaining bridge deck and finishing works are scheduled to continue into October.

“Residents can now cross safely on foot while work continues to restore full vehicular access. The improvements being made will give the community a higher, longer and more resilient bridge,” Minister Morgan added.