Koronubu farmer Setareki Qata points to the Koronubu bridge where repair works are expected to be completed. Picture: Shayal Devi of Fiji Times.
10 JUNE 2014. The Koronubu bridge will undergo urgent structural repairs to restore access for all vehicles especially buses and cane trucks. With cane crushing season about to commence our teams have been in constant contact with key stakeholders including the Fiji Sugar Corporation keeping them informed on our maintenance plans and the timeframe it will take to restore the Koronubu bridge.
The wooden bridge structure was damaged during recent flooding in May when large amounts of debris flowing downstream accumulated against the bridge piers resulting in damage to the piers and in the process moving the bridge deck and runners.
Immediately following an inspection, a weight restriction was placed on the bridge and arrangements were made by FRA contractors Higgins (Fiji) Limited and the bus company servicing the area to help transport people from both ends of the bridge.
FRA expects that full access across the bridge will be restored by the end of July. Until then the current arrangement of boarding buses at each end of the bridge must continue until the bridge is repaired and can once again support the weight of buses and heavy goods vehicles.
FRA Maintenance Works Manager, Dale Nicholls said “While the situation may not be ideal for travellers, we appreciate the assistance of the local community in complying with the weight restrictions placed on this bridge for safety reasons.”
FRA