Traffic diverted as government closes cracked Karuma Bridge

May 4, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

Trucks, trailers and buses plying the Kampala-Gulu Highway have been diverted after the government announced the closure of the Karuma Bridge linking northern Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 occupants will be able to use the bridge from May 6, 2024.

The decision to close the 61-year-old bridge located about 270 kilometers north of Kampala was made after an assessment that led to the discovery of huge cracks.

“’UNRA would like to inform road users that following the ongoing assessment of the condition of the Karuma Bridge, it has been established that some elements of the bridge structure (the concrete deck) have deteriorated, especially in the lane of access to Kampala. The bridge’s continued exposure to increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability if not addressed in time. This will require urgent intervention; As such, UNRA has begun the process of identifying a competent contractor who will undertake the restoration of the bridge structure as quickly as possible,” read a statement from UNRA late Friday.

Motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile are advised to use Luwero — Kafu – Masindi – Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa from Gulu motorists/ West Nile, as UNRA plans to rehabilitate the bridge for at least three months.

Motorists heading to Lira can also use Iganga – Nakalama – Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi – Soroti – Lira and vice versa.

Over the years, the bridge had become a death trap in which motorists lost control and fell into the Nile River.

A frequent traveler from West Nile, Mr Saudi Asiku, told this publication that: “I hope the transporters do not increase the fares because the alternative routes are longer. And the government needs to build a new bridge for safety reasons.”

Last year, passengers traveling from West Nile were outraged by charges along the Murchison Falls Park route after floodwaters isolated Pakwach on the bridge.