Residents worry about Ramble Bridge closure

While admitting that the Ramble Bridge needs work, residents in the St Thomas community and surrounding areas are concerned about the challenges its closure will bring.

The bridge is officially closed, starting today, a move initiated by the National Works Agency (NWA) which plans on replacing the wooden bridge deck. This will restrict vehicular traffic. The project is scheduled to be executed over a six-week period. However Stacy-Ann Delevante, acting manager, communication and customer services at the NWA has indicated that there have been further developments and the timeframe could be less.

"It ago affect wi bad bad. I hear them say 'repair'. If it's just for repair, then I am expecting that the bridge will be closed for a short time. But if it's long-term, it won't be good. Then again, there is no plan for a new structure of the bridge, and that is what we really need. If it's not for a new bridge, I don't see the need for the closure. It ago affect the whole community from Cedar Valley and further up. People use this terrain as their main means of travel, and the metal underneath the bridge is rotting away. This nuh sound good, it cya be good," said Elliston Small.

The 54-year-old resident of Riverhead recalled that the bridge has been repaired a few times but is in a worse condition than ever.

"This bridge was built for temporary purpose for the other bridge before it. A over there a bridge did supposed to erect over 25 years ago. Mi nuh remember, to be exact, but, for a fact, it need fi close fi true. But we need to know the plan for a new bridge and better alternate routes," the motorist said.

"We haffi go drive through two riverbeds. That ago mash up car when you have to drive through it every day," said Donald Bennett, a taxi operator.

The alternative route is through the Yallah's River via Dawson's Village. The bridge spans the Shooting River, which empties into the Yallahs River.

"When rain fall and river come down, how it go and hurricane season a come? The people them have to pay more because the distance is longer and that is more gas," he said.

If the referred river route becomes impassable, persons will have no other choice but to access their community through Cedar Valley proceeding through Trinityville, which is between Seafront and Ramble. That road network is in absolute disrepair, the path marred by potholes and breakaways. It takes more than two hours to arrive at Ramble Bridge.

Theresa Davis, a shopkeeper, expressed her distress over what she perceives will be her inability to receive goods because of drivers refusing to use the route between Cedar Valley and her business place.

"I send to buy goods every Saturday. The driver has to come across the bridge because that is the closer route. Nobody will come from Trinityville, because the road conditions are very bad, especially with load. If the bridge closes, mi nah go have nothing fi sell," Davis said.

As the residents showed THE STAR team the deficiencies of the bridge, others shared their worries regarding the extended duration of their journeys to reach their workplaces and other destinations because of the detours. Many are advocating for the complete replacement of the bridge, but suggest that the authorities establish better alternative routes.