Uganda National Roads Authority(UNRA) has announced the closure of Karuma bridge for a period of three months to allow for repairs.
UNRA said on Friday evening that it had closed the bridge that connects Kampala to Northern Uganda, DRC, South Sudan and West Nile to heavy vehicles including trailers, lorries and buses starting Monday, May, 6.
“Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge. We anticipate that this intervention will be completed in three months,” UNRA said in a notice to motorists.
The roads body said the move was necessitated by the need to repair parts of the bridge they said have deteriorated particularly on the Kampala approach lane, adding that the continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability, if not addressed in time might cause problems.
“This will require urgent intervention; as such, UNRA has commenced the process of identifying a competent contractor who will undertake the restoration of the bridge structure as quickly as possible.”
Alternative routes
According to UNRA, motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu or 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 motorists from Gulu/West Nile while those to Lira can also use Iganga – Nakalama – Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi – Soroti – Lira and vice versa.
“We appreciate that this emergency is an inconvenience to all road users, but we urge you to join us in our efforts to ensure everyone’s safety. Your cooperation during this time will be greatly appreciated,” UNRA said.
