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Over River Bridge Set to Reopen Before New School Year
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Culture & Society

Over River Bridge Set to Reopen Before New School Year

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • The National Works Agency (NWA) is accelerating plans to reopen the Over River Bridge in St. James before the new school year begins.
  • The bridge, a Compact Bailey Bridge, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, disrupting access for the Over River community and forcing residents to use longer, more expensive routes.
  • Despite initial delays due to logistical challenges, repair work is progressing, with the contractor aiming for completion by September 2026.

The Over River Bridge in St. James, Jamaica, is slated for reopening before the upcoming school year, according to the National Works Agency (NWA). The bridge, a crucial link for the Over River community, was washed away by Hurricane Melissa, severing access to neighboring areas like Hurlock and Sign. This destruction forced residents onto alternative routes, significantly increasing travel times and transportation expenses.

repair work on the bridge began in February 2026 but was delayed due to logistical challenges.

— Janel RickettsCommunity Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Region, explaining the project's timeline.

Repair work commenced in February 2026 but faced delays due to logistical hurdles. However, Community Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Region, Janel Ricketts, stated on Wednesday that construction has made substantial progress. The contractor is on schedule to finish the project by September 2026. The bridge has since been relaunched after being removed from the river, with its steel components repaired and the structure reinforced for continued use.

construction has progressed significantly, with the contractor on track to complete the project by September 2026.

— Janel RickettsCommunity Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Region, providing an update on the repair work.

The next phase of the rehabilitation project involves constructing the bridge’s abutment walls and ramps. The NWA is cautioning the public against attempting to cross the unfinished bridge while work is still underway.

the bridge has since been relaunched after being removed from the river. Steel components have been repaired, and the structure strengthened to support continued use.

— National Works Agency (NWA)Describing the progress made on the Over River Bridge.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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