Belize City drivers, get ready. In about a month, traffic in the old capital will look very different as contractors prepare to remove two of the city’s most recognizable crossings: the Swing Bridge and the Belcan Bridge. The major works are expected to bring big changes to how motorists move through the city. News Five’s Shane Williams has the story.
Shane Williams, Reporting
For the next two and a half years, getting around Belize City will take patience, planning and maybe a few deep breaths. That is because two major bridge projects, the replacement of the Swing Bridge and the Belcan Bridge, will happen at the same time, forcing motorists to adjust to new routes and heavier traffic. While construction is a few weeks behind schedule, the construction of this temporary crossing for the Belcan bridge project is well underway.
Evondale Moody
Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing
“This temporary bridge now will be located behind Save-U and it’ll come across from Evergreen Street behind BWS and then make its landing behind Save U to enter into the Phillip Goldson Highway. This bridge now will be one way from south side to north side.”
The timeline has already shifted. Taxi operators were originally expected to relocate by July twenty-sixth, but that move is now on hold until the bridge officially opens. When that day does arrive, those who wish to cross over to south side will have to use an extremely busy BelChina Bridge, or the other temporary bridge being constructed near Bottom Dollar, the site of Belize’s tragic pontoon bridge incident.
Evondale Moody
“The temporary bridge will be located at Hyde’s Lane and it’ll go straight across the Haulova Creek towards Regent Street West, landing at a location that used to be known as Mike’s Club.”
The last temporary bridge set up in this area was the pontoon bridge following the 1961 Hurricane Hattie. That bridge capsized on June 14, 1962, resulting in several fatalities. This crossing; however, is built to serve for an extended period of time.
Evondale Moody
“So in its entirety, we’re looking at approximately three years of inconveniences to the city.”
During this time, motorists and pedestrians are being asked to exercise a great level of patience with the problems being brought on by progress. Shane Williams for News Five.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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