The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced that the Karuma Bridge will be closed to heavy traffic for three months starting on May 6 after the bridge developed structural defects.
The bridge, which was constructed in 1963, connects Kampala to northern Uganda, West Nile, DR Congo, and South Sudan.
According to UNRA, the bridge is closed to all lorries, trailers, and buses.
“Only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 persons will be allowed to use the bridge,” said UNRA in a statement on Friday.
UNRA stated that following a condition assessment of the bridge, it had been established that some elements of its structure (specifically the concrete deck) have deteriorated, particularly on the Kampala approach lane.
“The continued exposure of the bridge to ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and reduce its serviceability, if not addressed in time,” UNRA said.
It added, “We anticipate that this intervention will be completed in three months.”
Alternative Routes to Use:
Travelers from Kampala heading to Gulu and West Nile will use the Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) route to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo.
UNRA did not, however, explain if the fees for driving through the game park will be waived for this emergency period.
For motorists heading to Lira, they have been advised to use the Iganga-Nakalama-Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi-Soroti-Lira route.