The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE LONG-AWAITED reconstruction of Grand Bahama's deteriorating Taino Beach Bridge is expected to be completed by June 2027, with demolition and replacement of its damaged structure scheduled to begin this month.

Lucaya Service Company (LUSCO) and Tamarind Development Company announced yesterday that BHM (GB) has been awarded the reconstruction contract, with the contractor expected to mobilise early this month.

The project marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing concerns about the bridge's condition and its importance to residents, businesses and visitors travelling between the Lucaya and Taino Beach areas.

Roosevelt Rolle, LUSCO's project co-ordinator, said the move is an “important step” in improving the reliability of the bridge for surrounding businesses and residents. 

"The award of this contract represents an important step forward in delivering a safer and more reliable bridge for the Grand Bahama community," he added. 

"We are pleased to have BHM (GB) undertake this project and look forward to seeing construction advance in the coming weeks." BHM is thought to stand for Bahamas Hot Mix.

The project will involve demolishing and replacing the existing bridge deck, installing new precast concrete beams, reinforced concrete decking and asphalt surfacing, as well as upgraded traffic barriers, a central median and five-foot sidewalks on both sides.

Traffic has been diverted to the temporary causeway constructed alongside the existing bridge to maintain access during the reconstruction.

The existing supporting infrastructure, including the concrete piles, capping beams and seawalls, will be retained and protected during the works. The project will also include measures to safeguard existing utility infrastructure and protect the surrounding marine environment.

The bridge, which spans the Bell Channel waterway, connects the Lucaya and Taino Beach areas and serves residents, businesses and visitors travelling to attractions and commercial establishments around Smith's Point and Taino Beach.

Its deteriorating condition had prompted repeated calls for intervention from Grand Bahama business owners and other stakeholders, with concerns that the restricted crossing was disrupting commercial activity, investment and residents' daily lives.

Last year, Tony "Zips" Hanna, owner of Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience, told Tribune Business that uncertainty surrounding the bridge's future was stalling economic activity and deterring prospective investors from committing to projects in the area.

He also warned that businesses and property owners were struggling to move forward with expansion plans and real estate transactions while the future of the critical transportation link remained uncertain.

The bridge had been operating under a 10-ton weight restriction, preventing heavier vehicles, including fire trucks and other essential service vehicles, from crossing. The temporary causeway was subsequently constructed to provide an alternative route while the permanent reconstruction was prepared.

LUSCO and Tamarind Development said the project forms part of their ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving critical infrastructure supporting Grand Bahama's communities, businesses and continued development.

The companies said further updates will be provided as construction progresses, with residents able to contact their community relations teams for additional information. The reconstruction is expected to be completed by June 2027.