By Tolit Ivan
The total closer of Karuma Bridge to all traffics to facilitate major repair works has been slated for Monday Sept, 23rd, 2024 for a period of three months.
Karuma Bridge was temporarily closed to heavy vehicles in April this year, after an assessment established defects on its structures.
An assessment conducted by the committee however revealed crucial components of the bridge among them the bearings, and expansion joints were already worn out while structural cracks had developed beneath the structure.
The government has since contracted National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group to repair the defects within three months.
Travelers from Northern Uganda have been advised to use Rwenkunye –Apac road via Masindi port or Luwero –Kafu-Masindi through Murchison Falls National Game Park to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo.
Addressing the media at the Bridge, Gen Katumba said the decision to permanently close the bridge will allow the contractor and team of engineers on-site to handle repairs works conveniently. He says following further inspection of the bridge, it’s been found prudent that not only the worn-out section and cracks be rehabilitated but an entire bridge deck is replaced to guarantee the safety of motorists.
According to Gen Katumba, the rehabilitation works will also see new safety features such as much stronger guard rails installed and the provision of better lighting at night.
The government targets the bridge will be open to traffic by the second week of December this year after the contractor has finished the works.
Late last month, legislators from Northern Uganda expressed concerns at the pace of the rehabilitation works citing the contractor was already behind schedule. National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Seventh Railway Group were awarded the 7.9 billion shillings contract for the rehabilitation for three months.
The bridge is a strategic route connecting Midwestern, Northern Uganda, and West Nile Sub regions.
Government also plans to construct a new bridge over River Nile with funding from Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).
