… traffic diverted
The main access bridge to Bagotville, West Bank of Demerara (WBD), was closed to heavy vehicular traffic as the bridge began to sink, following the disintegration of two supporting beams.
The Guyana Police Force on Thursday evening issued a traffic advisory informing the public that heavy vehicles will be diverted from the Bagotville Bridge as a result of damages to the eastern side of the structure.
According to reports reaching Guyana times, two of the beams which were supporting the structure had eventually given away due to pre-existing damage.
As such, residents noticed the bridge began to sink on Thursday evening and promptly notified the relevant authorities.
Ranks attached to the La Grange Police Station were subsequently deployed to divert traffic to the western half of the bridge, with a warning to proceed with caution.
However, access was only limited to motor cars and other light vehicles, with heavy vehicular traffic diverted to Canal Number One Polder and La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD respectively. This ultimately led to a buildup in traffic.
Meanwhile, residents present at the time of the incident indicated that the damages may have been as a result of the heavy vehicles frequenting the long-standing structure.
This, they noted, is paired with the intense downpour which persisted over the past few days.
Efforts to contact the Neighbourhood Democratic Council which has responsibility of the bridge regarding the deployment of workers to commence repairs to the bridge all proved futile.
As of Friday, the Bagotville Bridge remained close to heavy traffic until the situation is rectified.
