The Kupius Bridge in Clarendon, which is over 100 years old, is to be replaced with a new structure. A contract valued at nearly $ 700 million was signed today for its replacement.
The contract was signed between the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
The works form part of the multi-billion dollar Major Development Infrastructure Programme (MIDP), now being implemented. The new bridge will form a major plank of Governments efforts at improving the roadway from May Pen in Clarendon to Discovery Bay in St. Ann and is central to major works now underway from Sour Sop Turn to Chapleton.
Approximately $1.2 billion is now being spent to rehabilitate this 10 kilometres length of roadway. A second phase of work is slated to start in the next Financial Year and will see an additional 10 kilometres of roadway from Chapleton to Trout Hall being rehabilitated.
Speaking at today’s signing ceremony, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies explained that the new bridge will be constructed over a 14 month period starting in January 2016. The structure will be 65 metres long, two lanes of traffic and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians.
