The Tribune

BY FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE CLOSURE of Central Andros’ Fresh Creek Bridge is creating staffing challenges for businesses on both sides of the crossing, with one retailer revealing employees who normally rely on its access are struggling to get to work.

Mr Knowles, proprietor of Gaitor's Variety Store & Deli owner, whose business is located near the bridge, said customer traffic had not changed significantly since the crossing was closed but commuting had become more difficult for workers.

"Business hasn't really changed because of the bridge closure. It's been slow overall," said Mr Knowles. "The biggest challenge has been getting employees to work because many of them normally cross the bridge. It's not just us. A lot of people rely on the bridge to get to work."

The Government yesterday announced plans to introduce a temporary ferry service for vehicles before installing a temporary bridge after engineers condemned the Fresh Creek Bridge because of structural damage.

Clay Sweeting, works and Family Island affairs minister, said he travelled to Fresh Creek early yesterday with ministry engineers after being advised of the structural failure, adding that restoring connectivity was the Government's immediate priority.

"We did an assessment last evening, along with the technical team, to come up with an immediate plan where we ferry cars or vehicles from one side to the other as immediate relief to the people here in Andros," Mr Sweeting said.

"We have already started discussions with Acrow Bridge, which has a reputation in The Bahamas, having provided bridges in Abaco as well as Eleuthera. We are looking at a temporary relief measure where we bring in a temporary bridge here in Fresh Creek for vehicular traffic. After that, we can put in a permanent bridge."

Antonne Taylor, a senior engineer with the Ministry of Works and Family Island affairs, said an inspection found significant structural movement that made the bridge unsafe for vehicular traffic.

"Initial observations reveal that the intermediate pier at one of the pile caps has sunk. As a result, all of the weight has shifted to the two external piers," Mr Taylor said.

"The pile cap has deflected some 20 to 30 degrees. As a result, the three intermediate slabs have collectively sunk about nine inches. This is a great concern. Obviously, this is not the way the bridge was designed.

“As a result, we have officially condemned the bridge. We are not allowing vehicular traffic to traverse the bridge at this particular time, and we are in the process of developing temporary solutions to address the matter."

Dr Robert Mouza, director of public works, said a temporary ferry service and bridge had already formed part of the long-term replacement strategy because the new bridge will be higher and wider than the existing structure.

"As in 2020, we will put a temporary ferry service on. At the same time, we're looking to put a temporary bridge to the east side of the bridge," Dr Mouza said.

"The temporary bridge was going to be put in anyway because the new bridge will be a two-lane bridge raised considerably higher. The temporary bridge will provide vehicular access while construction proceeds."

Jackson McIntosh, Central Andros district island administrator, said restoring the crossing was critical because it serves as the main link between the island's northern and southern communities.

"This bridge is the bane of the economy. The economy traverses from one side of the bridge to the other side of the bridge. If the bridge is disabled, the economy stops," Mr McIntosh said. "It's very important that we get some kind of temporary measure in place as soon as possible so there's no further suffocation of the economy in the area."

Mr McIntosh welcomed the Government's response, saying residents were encouraged by plans for a temporary crossing while a permanent bridge is developed.

"What has been said so far is that, as an immediate measure, a barge will be put in place to transport vehicles across the waterway, and then within the next two months there will be the erection of a temporary bridge while we await construction of the permanent bridge," he said.