AN 18-tonne weight limit has been imposed for vehicles crossing the bridge at Tamavua-i-wai.

Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) acting chief executive officer Rory Garland said the weight limit was imposed under the advice of engineers who were working on the bridge.

“By mid-morning (yesterday) the engineers had completed a close-up inspection of the cracked joint in the main beam of the bridge,” Mr Garland said.

“They have now confirmed that the repair can go ahead as planned and designed.

“This will enable the road to be reopened to two lanes of traffic by Wednesday.

“The vast majority of cars, buses and light goods vehicles using the Queens Rd will not be affected by the load restriction.

“However the heaviest trucks will need to lighten their loads to be allowed on to this bridge,” he said.

Road Haulage Association (RHA) president Hector Smith said their concerns on axle loadings had been raised with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and at more recent meetings they had with MWH Global and FRA.

“Last week we specifically wrote to the minister seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the same,” Mr Smith said

“This was before the major problem was found with the Tamavua-i-wai bridge and we are yet to receive a response.

“The minister, who is the ultimate authority, should meet with industry and agree upon a practical solution that will go a long way meeting their objectives.

“Once this is in place the RHA will encourage all of its members to comply and hope that the authorities will do what they can to ensure that others also comply,” he said.

The FRA has asked the LTA to assist in ensuring the weight limit is observed for everyone’s safety.