Karuma bridge to remain closed for three months

Government has closed Karuma bridge to heavy motor vehicles for  three months.

This is to offer an opportunity to restore it’s deteriorating structure as quickly as possible.

“We wish to inform the road users that following the ongoing assessment of Karuma bridge.

It has been established that some elements of the bridge structure (concrete deck) have been deteriorated particularly on the Kampala approach lane,” the Friday statement by Uganda National Roads Authority says.

UNRA is a government agency mandated to develop and maintain the national roads network, advise government on road policy, contribute to the addressing of national transport concerns and perform other functions.

The bridge is located 270 kilometers north of Kampala on the Kampala-Gulu highway and it is the main connection between Southern and northern Uganda.

The bridge was constructed in 1963 and is insufficient to accommodate increased level of traffic on the road.

UNRA managers say that the continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate it’s deterioration and serviceability if not address in time.

“This will require urgent intervention as such, UNRA has commenced the process of identifying a competent contractor who will undertake the restoration bridge structure as quickly as possible,” the statement  further reads.

The bridge will be closed to all lorries, trailers and buses from Monday May 6, 2024 and only passengers vehicle carry upto 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge.

UNRA anticipates that the intervention will be completed after three months.

Meanwhile, the advisory has  the following alternative routes available for road users.

 Motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile are advised to use Luwero-Kafu-Masindi-Paraa ( Murchison national fall park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa from motorists from Gulu/ West Nile.

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

UNRA says the government of Uganda is currently fast- tracking the process to secure funding for the construction of a new bridge at Karuma as a long term solution.

"The emergency is an inconvenience to all the road users but urged people to join efforts to ensure everyone’s safety" UNRA further states