By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The Ministry of Works and Transport has today, 24th March, 2025 closed Karuma and Ayago bridges along the Kampala—Gulu Highway to all traffic.
The closure is to enable the expansion works and installation of expansion joints as earlier scheduled.
“Please stay alert and watch out for the diversion signs placed along the road this morning to guide your journey, Drive safe and have a good day!” reads the Ministry’s statement issued on Monday, 24th March.
The Ministry had also earlier communicated that the Ferries at Masindi Port are now fully operational and ready to receive diverted traffic.
A Traffic Advisory dated 28th February, 2025 and signed off by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala had stated that the bridge would be closed along the Kampala – Gulu Highway and at Ayago bridge on Karuma – Olwiyo Road effective 10th March, 2025 to 31st March, 2025.
This closure seems to have been postponed to taday-ED
The Expansion Joints at Ayago bridge on Karuma – Olwiyo Road have been damaged due to fatigue.
The bridge will be closed to enable the installation of Expansion Joints to ensure long term stability and full traffic restoration.
The bridge that was closed towards at the end of 2024 was partially re-opened on 20th December, 2024 for only light vehicles mainly because there was need to ease transport during the X-mas festive season.
Wamala says that in order to complete the essential works, the Ministry has to install expansion joints requiring full closure to all traffic.
The alternative routes have been given as; Motorists travelling from Gulu/West Nile to Kampala and fro will travel via Luwero – Kafu – Masindi – Paraa, (Murchison Bay National Park), Pakwach or Gulu.
Meanwhile Motorists travelling Kampala to Lira and back are advised to use Iganga – Nakalama – Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi – Soroti to Lira.
Motorists to Lira can also use the Rwenkunye – Apac route via Masindi Port Ferry.
