Troy Bridge Reopens in Trelawny After 2021 Storm Collapse

The Troy Bridge in southern Trelawny has been officially reopened, restoring a major crossing for residents, students, farmers, businesses and commuters travelling between Trelawny and north-western Manchester. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness led the ceremony, joined by Works Minister Robert Morgan, Trelawny Southern MP Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, Manchester North Western MP Mikhail Phillips, ministry officials, National Works Agency representatives, local leaders, students and residents.

The bridge collapsed after Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021, cutting off a route that had served the area for more than 150 years. Speakers said the old structure, first built in 1869, linked communities including Troy, Glasgow, Cowick Park and Oxford, and its loss forced longer trips to school, market, work and essential services.

Permanent Secretary Arlene Williams said the reopening marked the return of a vital connection and thanked residents for their patience during the disruption. Local representatives also pointed to the hardship faced by teachers, students and vendors who had to adjust their daily movements after the collapse.

Morgan said the new bridge was designed for long-term resilience, noting that it stood firm through severe weather while approaches were affected. He said Jamaica has about 875 bridges under the National Works Agency and announced that Cabinet had approved an accelerated programme to replace more than 50 bridges over two and a half years, with emphasis on western parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Holness said the project should be seen as more than a rebuilt crossing. He used the ceremony to argue for faster delivery of critical infrastructure while maintaining accountability, saying lengthy approval processes can add real costs to rural communities waiting on essential works. He said the bridge represented reconnection, dignity and renewed confidence for Troy and neighbouring districts.