Swing Bridge opens tomorrow

It cost over eight hundred and sixty thousand dollars for the improvements, and although there were some major delays brought on by Hurricane Mitch and other bad weather the Belize City Swing Bridge will open tomorrow. Tonight Hyacinth Latchman looks back at how the bridge used to be, and what motorists and pedestrians can expect now.

Wayne Williams from the Ministry of Works says city residents knew the bridge was in need of repair, but even the workmen weren’t aware of the serious nature of the problems until the work began.

Wayne Williams, Ministry of Works

“Most people are aware that the bridge was in a deteriorating state. When I say that I mean that most of the structural members of the bridge was badly corroded and the bridge was in a weakened state. When they took up most of the deck they noticed that most of them weren’t even connected.”

He describes the work carried out by contractor Abe Badman.

Wayne Williams

“There was a complete refurbishment of the Belize City Swing Bridge which includes the replacement of all the secondary and tertiary beams, the slab and new gear systems. I need to say that the bridge will be swung in the same way but a new gear was placed down. Um, repairs to the approaches.

I think for the type of work and technical skills needed to do the technical work, it was done in quite a short time.”

Hyacinth Latchman

“Although it took eight months to complete, the difference is clear. Tomorrow, pedestrians and drivers will make their way on the refurbished Swing Bridge. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.”

The Swing Bridge will be opened at 6 a.m.