The Troy Bridge in Southern Trelawny, currently under construction, has emerged as a symbol of resilience after withstanding the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Despite catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds, the bridge remained structurally intact, earning praise for its robust design and engineering.
During a site visit on Friday, Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, highlighted the bridge’s performance as a model of resilience-focused construction. ‘The Troy Bridge endured immense water pressure during Hurricane Melissa, yet it stands as strong as it did before the storm. This exemplifies how we should build for resilience,’ Morgan stated.
He emphasized that while the surrounding area experienced severe erosion and geographical changes due to the hurricane, the bridge remained steadfast. This, he noted, underscores the quality of its design, engineering, and execution. ‘We are constructing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events. The landscape around the Troy Bridge has transformed, but the bridge itself remains firm and strong. We take immense pride in the design, engineering, and implementation of this project,’ Morgan added.
The $231 million Troy Bridge project is now 80% complete. Upon completion, it will reconnect communities in Trelawny, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, which were isolated after the collapse of the original 19th-century bridge during Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021. The new bridge not only promises to restore vital connectivity but also sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the face of climate challenges.