Karuma Bridge Reopens to Traffic After Installation of Expansion Joints

Karuma Bridge has officially reopened to all traffic this morning following a three-week closure for essential maintenance works. The 61-year-old bridge, which connects the rest of the country to Northern Uganda, was temporarily closed on March 24 to facilitate the installation of four expansion joints on the bridge deck. 

The temporary closure forced motorists to use longer detours through Murchison Falls, Eastern Uganda and Masindi Port, causing travel disruptions and movements of goods. Allan Ssempebwa, the Communications officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, confirmed that the Bridge is ready for reopening today after the completion of installation of the expansion joints.

“Karuma Bridge is now ready to receive all traffic… The bridge has been fitted with reflective plates and street lights,” said Ssempebwa in a statement to Uganda Radio Network on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the expansion joints are critical components that allow the bridge structure to expand and contract with temperature changes and traffic loads, thereby maintaining its structural integrity and extending its lifespan.

While the bridge is now reopened to all road users, the Ministry noted that minor works are ongoing without affecting traffic. These include the installation of guard rails, street lighting, river training works, cat’s eyes installation, and painting of structural plate girders under the bridge.

The Karuma bridge was temporarily closed in September last year after major structural faults were detected by engineers on the bridge deck, bearings, and the expansion joints. It was later reopened on December 20 after undergoing three months of rehabilitation works that saw the replacement of the bridge deck and 12 bearings.  

Last month, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the government to provide a grant for the reconstruction of the new Karuma Bridge. The project is expected to take 60 months at a cost of 121 billion shillings.