YARPAH Town, River Cess – The Ministry of Public Works has declared the damaged Timbo River Bridge partially closed for a major repair.

The closure came four days following an emergency repair that was done by one of the logging companies in the county.

River Cess County Inspector Trokon Browne had earlier said the previous work was not satisfactory and needed attention.

On Wednesday, July 5, a team from the Ministry of Public Works began construction on the bridge and halted the flow of traffic.

Clarence Fredericks, Liberia’s chief engineer, told The Bush Chicken that the work is intended to strengthen the bridge to accommodate larger vehicles.

Liberia’s chief engineer, Clarence Fredericks. Photo: Eric Doue

“Four days ago, they did some manual repair works that enabled lighter vehicles to go across,” Fredericks said. “But what we are doing, we are doing major strengthening to accommodate bigger vehicles.”
According to Fredericks, there are 19 beams that provide the main support for the bridge that need to be replaced.
“The estimated time is two weeks, and during that period, the bridge will be partially closed,” he said. “During the day, the bridge will be closed, but we will allow the flow of traffic 6 p.m. every day till we complete the work.”
The abrupt closure of the bridge stranded several travelers who were already traveling to their destinations. They had to wait under the rain till 6 pm to cross.

County Inspector Browne apologized for the inconvenience and called on commuters to be patient.
“We are so sorry that we did not inform you sooner about the closure of the bridge,” he said. “This is because we ourselves did not get the information in time. Hold your peace. In the evening, we will let you go. We will continue like this until the proper work is done.”
Featured photo by Eric Doue