Spring Village Bridge reopens in St Catherine after $250m rebuild

The rebuilt Spring Village Bridge in St Catherine was officially opened on June 12, 2026, restoring an important route for communities that had faced years of travel delays, higher costs and reduced access after the old crossing was closed.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who declared the bridge open, said the project was part of the Government’s wider push to strengthen public infrastructure and make roads and bridges more resilient to heavy rainfall and flooding. He said the former bridge, also referred to as the Nightingale Grove Bridge, dated back to the early 1900s and had been affected by heavy water flow, cracks and damage to its abutments and approaches. The National Works Agency closed it in September 2022 after determining it was no longer safe.

The new structure is valued at about $250 million and includes pedestrian access, concrete walls, protective works, road signs and markings. Officials said the bridge will improve safety and reconnect residents, workers, students, businesses, transport operators and emergency services that rely on the corridor.

Member of Parliament Clifford Warmington welcomed the opening, saying residents had long complained about the loss of the bridge and had been asked to remain patient while the project moved through procurement and construction. He thanked the contractor, identified in the ceremony as Mr Woodbine of Dwight Construction, as well as Jamaica Broilers Group, which officials praised for assisting the community during the closure, including through a temporary pedestrian bridge.

Infrastructure Minister Robert Nesta Morgan said the project was one example of wider national works, including the $45-billion SPARK road programme, a $17-billion capital works programme covering six major road projects, and a priority bridge programme expected to deliver 55 bridges islandwide.

Holness said delays were linked to public investment approval requirements, tendering difficulties, specialised equipment needs and labour challenges. He said the Government would have to improve the approval process for some infrastructure projects while still ensuring public money is spent objectively.