Fariya Bridge cordoned off from public use

The Fariya Bridge near Dumpu Estate just before the Ramu Sugar Township, when travelling from the Madang side of the highway, is on the verge of collapse.

Its current condition has forced the Department of Works and Highways to cordone off the bridge from public use.

President of Usino Local Level Government, Charlie Wati told NBC News this morning that vehicles are currently using an access road inside the Oil Palm plantation.

Madang's Works Manager, Job Kull, has issued a road closure notice advising that the bridge is now closed to public use, and all motorists are told to use the company access road, which runs through part of the Oil Palm plantation.

Mr Kull explained that the bridge super structure (beam) has encountered severe damage (bending/ bulking) due to heavy loads and pressure exerted on it.

"It is therefore deemed unsafe for public use, and all vehicles are advised to use the company bypass for access to avoid accidents and further damage to other structures of the bridge, as well as allow proper investigation and eventual maintenance to restore accessibility," said Mr Kull.

Meanwhile, work on restoring the Numuru Bridge at Malala on Madang's north coast is underway.

The new bridge was brought in from Lae last weekend, and it's now on site.

According to Mr Kull, the new bridge at Numuru should be completed by the weekend, and ready for use.