Old Swing Bridge to undergo rehabilitation

While efforts to save the life of the stranded manatee calf may have come too late to make a difference, the Ministry of Works is hoping the same will not be the case with the old Belize City Swing Bridge. According to a government press release, work on rehabilitating the aging structure will begin shortly and that the bridge, which is one of three links between the north and south sides of the city, will be completely closed for the entire duration of the works. According to the release, a pedestrian crossing will be built across the river linking Hyde’s Lane with Regent Street West. Motorists will have to use either the Belcan or Belchina Bridges as traffic from downtown Belize City will be rerouted to those areas. But pedestrians and motorists aren’t the only ones who will be affected by the closing of the Swing Bridge as boats will also be restricted from passing under it while the rehabilitation work is being carried out.