Juba Bridge closed temporary for road repair

By Awan Achiek

The Africa Resources Corporation (ARC), the country’s leading road construction company, on Sunday announced the temporary closure of Juba Bridge to facilitate essential road work.

According to ARC, the bridge will be closed from Sunday to Monday to allow engineers to repair 500 meters of road from the Bridge to Gumbo-Rajab junction.

“From 6:00 AM Sunday morning (30th June 2024) to 6:00 AM Monday morning (1st July 2024), the Juba Bridge will remain closed to facilitate critical roadwork,” ARC said in a statement seen by Dawn on Sunday.

The construction company advised pedestrians and motorists to use the Freedom Bridge at meantime as the road leading to the oldest bridge is undergoing significant maintenance.

According to the construction firm, the first phase of maintenance involved the dumping and mixing of stone base in front of the Bridge.

The company reassured the public that the work on 500 meters will be completed within 24 hours and the bridge will reopen on Monday morning.

 “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to enhance our infrastructure for a better tomorrow.”

Juba Bridge is one of the oldest structures.

Constructed in 1974 by the Dutch construction company De Groot International, the Dutch Government contributed more than half of the budget for building the bridge.

The two adjacent 252-meter Juba Nile Bridge that spans over the White Nile has become a vital lifeline for the people of South Sudan, providing the only means of crossing over the Nile until 2022.

It was built from two World War II-era bridges, with a total cost of $2.5 million at the time.

It became a lifeline for the people of South Sudan, connecting communities and facilitating trade and transportation.