THE National Works Agency (NWA) has announced that the bridge that was promised to residents of Chesterfield, St Mary, should be in place by the start of the next hurricane season.

The bridge, the NWA said in a release Tuesday, is one of seven that are now being fabricated in China for delivery to Jamaica by the end of March.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness last year made a promise to the residents that a structure would be erected in the area in order to ensure that the community is accessible during times of inclement weather. For years residents have, at times, had to brave flood waters in the Wag Water River, in order to access their homes.

NWA Chief Executive Officer EG Hunter said that the bridge is being sourced under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme, the release said.

The seven bridges and associated parts are being procured at a cost of US$2 million.

According to the release, Hunter said that tenders will be invited this weekend for the civil works and that the process should be completed within a month.

It is expected that when the process is completed, work to construct the bridge abutments and a centre pier will get under way, the release continued.

The two span Compact 200 bridge, which will be 180 feet long, will be built mainly for the purposes of pedestrians but will be able to accommodate small cars, NWA said.