News | Sunday, 05 April 2009

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Sliema’s Old College bridge faces structural damage

An inspection on the deck and piers of Sliema’s Old College street bridge, which runs over Manwel Dimech street, by the Transport Authority (ADT) concluded it is not safe for the passage of heavy vehicles and that the bridge staircase is not safe for pedestrians.
“Although the bridge is safe for the passage of vehicular traffic with a load of less than 1 tonne and pedestrians, the parapet walls of the staircase are not safe for pedestrians and require restoration,” a spokesperson for the Ministry for Transport told MaltaToday.
The ADT is liaising with the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment to restore the bridge. Barriers were also placed to prohibit the passage of pedestrians through the staircase.
Prior to the latest damages incurred by the bridge, the Sliema council had made clear signs prohibiting trucks from passing.
But according to Sliema’s Green Party councillor Michael Briguglio, some trucks ignored the warning and continued passing over the fragile bridge. The Council has also called on the ADT to take action for the past months.
“The residents living in the vicinity of the bridge are very worried about this in case a bad accident happens,” Briguglio said, hoping for an early solution to minimise any risks faced by residents. “It is also imperative that wardens ensure that heavy transport does not pass over the bridge.”

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