Freetown, 30th July 206– The Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, has sounded an alarm over the deteriorating state of the Old Railway Line Bridge at Brookfields, describing it as a serious safety risk to commuters and nearby residents.
Constructed in the 1980s to support Freetown’s growing traffic, the bridge has suffered decades of wear and tear. Its foundations are visibly undermined, fractured concrete lines its structure, and one end now hangs precariously over running water and debris.
During a site inspection this rainy season, Ing. Momodu led a technical team to reassess the bridge’s condition. The team confirmed that the structure’s load‑carrying capacity has been severely compromised, prompting urgent calls for rehabilitation.
Earlier this year, SLRA restricted access to the bridge, allowing only cars and light vans weighing under five tons. Heavy trucks and buses were banned, and barricades were installed at both ends to enforce compliance.
However, the Director General expressed concern over human activity beneath the bridge, including informal settlements and daily use of the underpass, which he said further weakens the structure. With heavy rains intensifying, waterlogging and interference are compounding the risks.
“Its current state is unacceptable, and we are committed to urgent action,” Ing. Momodu stressed. He assured the public that detailed structural assessments have been completed and rehabilitation plans are underway. In the meantime, SLRA is strongly considering a full closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic until safety is restored.
The Authority reaffirmed its mandate to prioritize citizen safety, pledging swift measures to prevent further deterioration and restore secure access for road users.
Credit: Public Relations Unit, Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
