VAZ SAYS HE CONTINUES TO ADVOCATE FOR BRIDGE CLOSED SINCE 2022
BUFF BAY, Portland; Dec 19, 2012
Three people were injured when a truck laden with stone traveling across a bridge at Craig Mill, Portland, fell into the river as the structure gave way. The incident occurred Saturday evening, December 28, as the vehicle travelled to Buff Bay in Western Portland.
(This is the section of the bridge that collapsed)
The bridge has been in a state of disrepair for years and was closed in 2019 by the National Works Agency. In 2022 a makeshift fording was put in place as an alternative to the bridge but the new facility can not be used during heavy rains when the river washes over it making it impassable. That also results in the community, near Buff Bay, being marooned.
(Road to the closed bridge, with signs and even an obstacle)
Recent rains have made the fording impassable; hence, some vehicles used the condemned Craig Mill bridge. On Saturday afternoon, the truck using the bridge fell through, causing injuries.
Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz says lack of funding has prevented the bridge from being replaced. He said over $90 million has been invested in the fording and another bridge in the area.
(The old, closed bridge. Needs replacement)
Mr Vaz said he has been making representations to get the bridge replaced. He said consultation was done earlier this year and the Public Investment Appraisal Branch is going through final process for the award of the contract..
Vaz also expressed sympathy for those injured.
