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The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has issued a traffic advisory on the condition of Karuma Bridge in the Northern part of Uganda, saying the bridge will be closed to all lorries, trailers and buses from Monday, May 6, 2024.

UNRA says that following the ongoing condition assessment of the bridge, it has been established that some elements of the bridge structure (the concrete deck) have deteriorated, particularly on the Kampala approach lane.

"The continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its deterioration and serviceability if not addressed in time," the traffic advisory reads.

UNRA says the bridge will require urgent intervention and has commenced the process of identifying a competent contractor who will undertake the restoration of the bridge structure as quickly as possible.

The advisory further reads that only passenger vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers will be allowed to use the bridge.

The road authority anticipates that the intervention will be completed in three months.

Alternative routes

UNRA has listed several alternative routes for all road users;

1. Motorists from Kampala heading to Gulu/West Nile are advised to use Luwero - Kafu - Masindi - Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) to connect to Pakwach or Gulu via Olwiyo and vice versa for motorists from Gulu/West Nile.
2. Motorists to Lira can also use Iganga - Nakalama - Tirinyi - Pallisa - Kumi - Soroti - Lira and vice versa.

'Construction of new bridge'

As a long-term alternative, UNRA says the Government is fast-tracking the process to secure funding for the construction of a new bridge at Karuma.