NWC adjusts work schedule for Ramble Bridge

The gaping holes in the wooden deck of the Ramble Bridge in St Thomas tell the story of imminent danger. Due to its deterioration, drivers of motor vehicles are forced to cautiously manoeuvre their way over the single-lane structure in order to avoid the holes large enough for tires to plunge into.

The National Works Agency (NWA) yesterday announced that the use of the bridge will be restricted to seven hours per day - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while repairs are being conducted.

Stacy-Ann Delevante, acting communications manager at the NWA, said the project is expected to be completed ahead of the six-week timeline that was originally communicated.

The Ramble Bridge is mainly used by persons heading from Ramble to Cedar Valley. The bridge, which spans the Shooting River, connects the communities of Windsor Forrest, River Head, Richmond and Cedar Valley in the north with areas such as Llandewey, Easington, Heartease and Yallahs in the south. Commuters are expected to utilise a makeshift ford in the nearby Yallahs River, which takes them through Dawson's Village as an alternate route. However, if the river is in spate, they will have to travel miles, and for almost additional two hours via Seaforth, Trinityville and Cedar Valley.

Delevante said the bridge is expected to be reopened as early as September 14, barring any unforeseen challenges.