Troy Bridge 45 per cent complete

The new Troy Bridge, being constructed on the border of Trelawny and Manchester at a cost of $230 million, is 45 per cent complete.

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan. The new structure will replace the previous, which collapsed in August 2021, resulting in vehicular access being cut off.

Speaking during Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Morgan, who indicated that he received a progress report last week, advised that, "they have embedded the piles [and] they are now capping the piles to put on the upper structure of the bridge". The new bridge is expected to enhance connectivity, convenience and safety for the residents of Troy and its environs.

Meanwhile, Morgan said a footbridge was built to facilitate access for residents and other persons who normally use that route.

"So, while there is not vehicular access to traverse the two parishes - Trelawny and Manchester - foot access is now there, so people can carry their farm produce between [the parishes]," he indicated. The footbridge forms part of the Troy Bridge construction project.

Meanwhile, the National Works Agency (NWA) is urging motorcyclists to desist from using the recently installed foot bridge, which was installed last December. Community Relations Officer at the NWA's Western Region, Janel Ricketts, said that the pedestrian bridge is meant to give temporary relief to the scores of pedestrians who access the area daily, until the Troy Bridge is completed in July. Motorcyclists have been observed using the pedestrian facility. Ricketts said that use of the bridge by motorcyclists puts pedestrians at risk, especially the small children. Ricketts is suggesting that the motorcyclists use alternative routes.