A contract was signed for the construction of the new Roaring Creek Bridge located at Mile 48 on the George Price Highway. That contract was formally signed on Monday, December 18, 2017 and it was awarded to M&M Engineering Consultants Ltd. in the amount of BZD ,346,823.17, consistent with the engineer’s estimate and current construction rates.
The scope of the works includes the construction of the new bridge, approaches, and drainage works all to a total length of 485 meters. The installation of road center and edge line markings will also take place. Also included in this project is roadway clearance, the removal of any remnant structures, obstructions, fencing and the like within the road reserve.
After considering the impacts on the Roaring Creek Bridge, increased traffic loads, infrequent maintenance, and effects of natural disasters, the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Works saw it critical that the bridge be replaced. Works are anticipated to commence immediately.
While the construction of the bridge will see benefits to those that use the bridge to commute, Hon. Rene Montero, Minister of Works, says that an added benefit are the jobs that the construction will provide. “Today marks another milestone in the construction of bridges; but more important, it is about the people who are going to use the bridge. It is about bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots and more important it is about creating jobs.”
Roque Matus of M&M Engineering, shared the same sentiments saying, “We are a company that believes in Belize and continue to employ a lot of Belizeans and through it we have introduced many products in the bridge industry so that we can do this at a more efficient price and keep the jobs here in Belize.”
