Old Railway Line Bridge Faces Possible Closure Over Safety Concerns

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has raised serious concerns over the structural condition of the Old Railway Line Bridge at Brookfields, warning that its advanced state of deterioration poses an immediate safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and nearby residents.

The warning follows a technical inspection carried out during the peak of the rainy season. According to SLRA Director General, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, decades of environmental exposure and human activity have significantly weakened the bridge's structural integrity and reduced its load-bearing capacity.

The Authority said heavy rainfall and uncontrolled water runoff have eroded the bridge's substructure, leaving one end suspended precariously above flowing water and accumulated debris. It also revealed that deep cracks have developed across the concrete structure, indicating advanced structural deterioration.

SLRA further noted that informal settlements and daily human activity beneath the bridge have placed additional pressure on the ageing infrastructure, increasing the risk of a possible collapse.

To minimise the danger, the Authority had previously imposed weight restrictions by installing physical barricades at both ends of the bridge to prevent heavy-duty trucks and buses from crossing. Access has since been limited to light passenger vehicles weighing less than five tonnes.

However, the Authority said persistent heavy rains, localized flooding and continued human activity beneath the bridge have prompted engineers to reassess the effectiveness of those measures.

Ing. Momodu disclosed that preliminary structural assessments have been completed and plans for rehabilitation are being finalised. He added that the Authority is now strongly considering a complete closure of the bridge to all vehicular traffic until rehabilitation works are carried out to ensure public safety.

SLRA urged motorists and members of the public to comply with all safety directives as it works to address the deteriorating condition of the bridge and prevent potential disasters.