The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has welcomed the unearthing of the Belham Valley Bridge.
That’s according to DMCA Senior Disaster Management Coordinator, Astrid Wade.
Mr. Wade said the Belham Valley Bridge project improves emergency access to Isle Bay Hill and other areas south of the Belham Valley, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
The project was a collaborative effort between the Public Works Department, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) and the private sector.
Waterway and roadway work in the Belham Valley have resulted in the bridge being unearthed and accessible for vehicular traffic during heavy rainfall.
Roadways, culverts, and drainage infrastructure along Happy Hill, Dr Wood’s, and Isles Bay Hill Main Roads have also been unearthed, with guttering and culverts cleaned and restored to improve water flow.
The main water channels in the Belham Valley have also been excavated in preparation for rainfall, which should reduce impassibility caused by lahars.
The Belham Valley Bridge had been buried for over 20 years due to repeated lahar activity. Its restoration now provides permanent access to and from the northern side of the island, especially during extreme weather events, significantly improving safety for residents of Isle Bay Hill, Woodsville, Corkhill, Weekes, Richmond Hill, Fox’s Bay, and Delvin’s, as well as tour operators, sand miners, farmers, and livestock owners.