ANDROS, Bahamas - The highly anticipated interim repairs to the Fresh Creek Bridge in Central Andros will be completed by the end of this week, Works Minister the Honourable T. Desmond Bannister confirmed yesterday.

Mr. Bannister said the Fresh Creek Bridge is a vital transport link as it provides the only crossing of the Fresh Creek waterway in Central Andros.

“The bridge was known to be in a poor condition and the urgent need to construct a replacement has been made one of the priority schemes for the Ministry of Public Works. A few months ago, the existing bridge was damaged by a mail boat that broke free from its moorings in stormy weather. I visited the Fresh Creek Bridge last week and the contractor has made tremendous progress” he said.

Carlton Bowleg, North Andros M. P., said for years North Andros has been neglected and he’s happy the Fresh Creek Bridge is being repaired.

Mr. Bowleg said, “When you see the infrastructure upgrade that is taking place here you must be amazed because before you can do any investments you have to make sure the infrastructure is intact and that’s what is happening right now. I’m very excited over the works that is being done in North Andros.”

“I can honestly say as a resident of Andros that I’m very excited. I also heard from a lot of residents I grew up with, when they see the work taking place they are very excited as well. It’s just a joy to see.”

Bahamas Marine Construction Supervisor Brando Thompson said the repairs made to the bridge will give the bridge a lifespan of another forty-five (45) to fifty (50) years.

“The structural part of the bridge is already sealed and finished. Due to the salt air one side of the bridge took a lot of rust versus the next side. We did the majority of the work on the northern side. To date we have put down two fifty (50) feet piles and we have also put in a beam to give the bridge extra support” Mr. Thompson said.