By Desmond Lewis
March 2026: The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has completed the construction of a brand-new bridge at Old School, restoring a vital link between the Hill Top community and the main Hill Station road.
According to SLRA Senior Engineer, John Bockarie Kamara, the previous community-built bridge collapsed last year, prompting SLRA to respond immediately in line with its mandate. “We carried out a total demolition and immediately commenced construction of the new Old School Bridge,” he explained.
Engineer Kamara described the new bridge as a significant upgrade from the old single-lane structure, which lacked railings and was vulnerable to collapse. The new bridge, designed by SLRA and constructed by Secon in partnership with indigenous contractors, is ten metres wide, fitted with railings on both sides, and engineered with proper horizontal and vertical clearance to withstand water flow.
“This is a brand-new bridge that will last for a hundred years,” Kamara assured, noting that the project is scheduled for official handover by June.
Other Bridge Interventions
SLRA has also intervened in restoring the Locust Bridge, part of which collapsed in August 2025 due to heavy rains and community activities around the structure. The Authority has since built retaining walls and water channels to strengthen its durability.
Kamara further disclosed that SLRA is working to complete the Kissy Bridge before the rainy season and has begun addressing challenges at the New Castle Bridge, which was recently disconnected from New Castle Street.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, Kamara highlighted that SLRA’s greatest challenge remains community encroachment. “People construct shops and houses along bridge perimeters, which compromises safety,” he said. He added that SLRA will continue sensitization efforts and collaborate with the police to enforce regulations and curb lawlessness.
The completion of the Old School Bridge marks a major milestone in SLRA’s ongoing efforts to improve road and bridge infrastructure across Sierra Leone, ensuring safer and more reliable connectivity for communities.