A new bailey bridge has been opened at Appleton Estate in St. Elizabeth to replace the structure that collapsed last year.

The new bridge, which was constructed by the National Works Agency (NWA), serves as a critical link between Appleton Estate and the communities of Thornton and Siloah. The original structure was officially closed three years ago, but eventually collapsed in August.

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Robert Pickersgill, in his remarks at the opening, said that the establishment of the bridge is a part of a process by the Government to rehabilitate some 60 bridges islandwide.

He noted that while the technical work was undertaken by the NWA, Appleton Estate and the local parish council provided the material.

Member of Parliament for North East St. Elizabeth, Roger Clarke, also thanked the various agencies that collaborated with the Government to execute the project.