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Plans to rebuild Frenchman’s Cay bridge moves a step further with soil study

Premier Andrew Fahie

Premier Andrew Fahie said his government’s plan to construct a new bridge in the Frenchman’s Cay area has moved a step further.

In his latest social media post on Wednesday, the Premier said a team from a company called Jaca Sierra from Puerto Rico was on the site.

“This company was hired by the Ministry of Transportation, Works & Utilities to conduct the geotechnical study or soil testing,” Fahie said.

“This study is being conducted to determine what load or weight the ground can take before we conclude the designs for the new Frenchman’s Cay Bridge that is long overdue,” he added.

Fahie said the safety of users of the bridge is behind the decision for the study.

“We are forging forward to ensure a safe and resilient road network through this project and the many others to come,” he noted.

The Premier who is also the Minister for Finance further said a submission for funding for the new bridge has been made in the upcoming 2020 budget cycle.

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8 Comments

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  1. My take says:

    FINALLY

  2. SMDH says:

    Mark and his NDP lied while in the NDP government saying that there was no problem with the bridge. Anyone with sense knew he was not being truthful. They didn’t care about the safety of we the people only their pockets.

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  3. Road Engineer says:

    Are bridges inspected on a set schedule, eg, every 3 years….. etc or when a structurally deficiency is noted and reported? What is the status of the WE bridge? Clearly, it is functionally obsolete but is it structurally deficient? Is it safe to use? If it has to be closed for safety reasons, what is the plan to get residents to and from Frenchman Cay? Is the plan to repair or replace or the WE bridge?

    Further, when was the QE II Bridge, the link to Tortola and Beef Island (location of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport) last had a comprehensive inspection? If the QE II Bridge has to be closed for safety reason(s), what is the plan to get residents and passengers to and from Beef Island? From whom can a Bridge Inspection Report be acquired? By the way, how is a bridge defined in the BVI and how many bridges does the BVI have?

    Is the government contracting separately for soil testing? Or is the Puerto Rican company conducting soil analysis for the in-house or contracted engineering design firm?

    • Diaspora says:

      @Road Engineer, in the BVI bridges are inspected infrequently, little to no maintenance with reactive repairs. Bridges should be managed similar to how they are in the UK, Canada, Australia, US……..etc. Some probing questions for the MTUC. Additional question: Will the bridge have a weight limit and will signage be posted?

  4. Thanks says:

    Premier as a resident of Frenchman’s Cay I say thank you. This urgent matter was totally neglected by the past administration. So I am now glad to hear this good news.

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