WAINALOKA BRIDGE ON OVALAU UNDERGOES EMERGENCY REPAIRS, EXPECTED TO REOPEN THIS AFTERNOON
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WAITOLUTOLU BRIDGE, NAITAISIRI TO BE CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE ON SUNDAY 18TH JUNE FROM 8.00AM TO 6.00PM
June 16, 2017
15 June 2017
Fletcher Bailey Bridge in Vatuwaqa will be closed to motorists from 9:00pm on Saturday 17th June and re-open at 5:30am on Monday 19th June says Fiji Roads Authority CEO John Hutchinson.
This is to enable China Railway 14 Group to complete the bridge foundation work for the new bridge. These foundations are in very close proximity to the current bailey bridge. It is necessary for both public and contractor safety to close the bridge whilst these works are carried out.
However, Mr Hutchinson adds that the bailey bridge will reopen with new operating conditions.
“Heavy vehicles including buses can no longer travel over the Fletcher bailey bridge from Monday 19 June and are advised to use Grantham Road as an alternative route. This is because the new concrete foundations need to cure. There is a very high risk that vibrations from heavy vehicles will cause damage to the new foundations and bridge abutments.
“The contractor is restricted on space and needs room to continue construction work. The FRA team after reviewing the designs and plans with the contractor have made the decision to let them proceed.”
Mr Hutchinson says that FRA was hesitant about the restriction because they wanted to keep the bridge accessible to all vehicles. However because the project needs to be completed FRA has to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles across the bridge to allow for the concrete to cure and works to progress.
Mr Hutchinson says that his team has written to the bus company servicing the area and asks for the public’s understanding as the contractor works to complete construction of the new bridge.
Read Full Report: MEDIA RELEASE ROAD CLOSURE AND RESTRICTIONS ON VATUWAQA BRIDGE
