By Frank Kamuntu
The Ugandan government has been compelled to close the Karuma Bridge to heavy traffic for a period of three months following the discovery of structural defects.
This critical bridge serves as a vital link between Kampala and northern Uganda, West Nile, DR Congo via Goli, and South Sudan. Effective from Monday, May 6, the bridge will be off-limits to lorries, trailers, and buses. Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 individuals will be permitted to use it, as announced by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in a statement released on Friday evening.
📍TRAFFIC ADVISORY
CONDITION OF THE EXISTING KARUMA BRIDGE AND ITS CLOSURE TO TRAFFIC FLOW.
🔖 To be closed to all lorries, trailers & buses from Mon 06th May 2024.
🔖Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge. pic.twitter.com/xBSXCo84qx
— UNRA_UGANDA (@UNRA_UG) May 3, 2024
A team of engineers dispatched by UNRA conducted a thorough structural assessment, identifying failures in specific elements of the bridge. Notably, the concrete deck, particularly on the Kampala approach lane, has deteriorated. The continued exposure of the bridge to heavy traffic poses a risk of further deterioration and reduced serviceability if not addressed promptly.
The Karuma Falls Bridge, constructed in 1963 to facilitate the movement of cotton farmers in northern Uganda across the river, is a narrow, single-carriageway structure lacking pedestrian or bicycle lanes and monitoring equipment. These limitations make it susceptible to major accidents.
In early February, commuters were surprised to encounter caution signs indicating intermittent bridge closures lasting “one to two hours intervals” as engineers assessed what later turned out to be significant structural damage.
“Due to the extended closure of the Karuma Bridge, travelers from Kampala en route to Gulu and West Nile are now diverting through the Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa route (which passes through Murchison Falls National Park) to reach Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo.”
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