By George M.O. Williams
August 6, 2025: Residents and commuters in Brookfields, Freetown, are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the pedestrian bridge along the Railway Line, which is now at high risk of collapse.
The concrete footbridge, constructed several decades ago to connect both ends of the Brookfields community, has visibly aged and shows signs of severe structural compromise. An on-site inspection by Premier News on Wednesday, August 6, revealed alarming damage that threatens public safety.
One end of the bridge has suffered significant erosion, which has washed away its supporting foundation, leaving the structure partially suspended. The exposed base and unstable footing have raised concerns that the bridge could collapse at any moment.
Further compounding the danger, the bridge’s handrails are rusted and brittle, offering little protection to pedestrians who continue to use it daily. Beneath the bridge, the ground is heavily eroded and strewn with rubbish—plastic waste, debris, and signs of long-term neglect.
At both ends of the bridge, makeshift structures, constructed from corrugated iron sheets and wood, have been erected, serving as informal shops or homes. These additions appear poorly built and vulnerable to collapse, especially during heavy rainfall or flooding, which could trigger a chain reaction affecting the bridge itself.
Local residents are urgently calling on the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and national authorities to assess the bridge and carry out immediate repairs. Many fear that without swift intervention, the structure could collapse, leading to potential injuries or fatalities.
“This bridge has been here since before I was born,” said one longtime resident. “It’s part of our daily lives, but now it’s a death trap. We need help before something terrible happens.”
Originally built to serve as a safe crossing over the railway line, the bridge has long been a vital link for pedestrians in Brookfields. However, decades of wear, lack of maintenance, and encroachment have left it in a perilous state.
As the rainy season intensifies, the urgency to act grows stronger. The community awaits a response from the relevant authorities to prevent a looming disaster.