Bagotville bridge sinking

The eastern side of the Bagotville, West Bank Demerara access bridge will now be closed to vehicular traffic after sections of the brigde started to sink last evening.

Stabroek News understands that the eastern side of the bridge, which reportedly falls under the purveiw of the Bagotville Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) had to be closed off last evening after residents noticed that the middle section of that side began sinking due to two damaged supporting beams.

This resulted in cops from the La Grange Police Station having to divert all traffic to the western side of the conrete bridge which led to a slowdown of traffic last evening.

Residents who gathered to conduct their own investigations of the incident said that in additon to the bridge being around for a number of years, the heavy rainfall and the constant traversing by “heavy-duty” trucks had contributed to the sinking.

While several attempts were made to contact the Bagotville NDC for additional details, these proved futile.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force in a press statement last night said, “Only motor cars and other light vehicles are allowed to use the bridge with caution. Heavy-duty vehicles will be diverted via Canal Number One Polder and La Parfaite Harmonie respectively until the situation is rectified.”

Police ranks have been deployed to direct the traffic in the meantime.