The Middlesex Bridge on Mile 21 of the Hummingbird Highway was inaugurated on Tuesday, December 21. The reconstruction of the Middlesex Bridge cost a total of ,832,800 and was financed by the European Union and the Government of Belize through a grant from the 9th European Development Fund’s (EDF) Belize Rural Development Program (BRDP). The Hummingbird Highway is of major importance for the agricultural, industrial, tourism and social development of Belize.
The inauguration of the Bridge was presided over by Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni- Head of the Delegation of the European Union and Hon. Anthony Martinez, Minister of Works. Minister Martinez said that Middlesex is the gateway to the south. He said that it used to be one of the worst bridges in the country and posed serious risks because of its deteriorated condition and for being a single lane primary bridge. According to the Minister, the bridge would have collapsed eventually.
The reconstruction consists of a reinforced concrete structure with a total width of 9.63 meters and a carriageway of 7.3 meters provided with new metal vehicle parapets. Other ancillary works include the rehabilitation of both approaches to the bridge and the installation of erosion control measures, road and bridge safety furniture such as handrails, guardrails, road markings and warning signs.
The Ministry of Works was responsible for the design and oversight of the project and the construction was executed by CISCO constructions.
