UNRA Authorizes Buses to Use Katonga Bridge Along Kampala-Masaka Highway

The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has allowed buses to use the Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka Highway.

In May this year, the Katonga bridge collapsed following torrential rains across the country.

This moved vehicles plying the Kampala-Masaka highway difficult. UNRA then suspended heavy vehicles from accessing the bridge.

However, following continuous technical monitoring and a recent assessment conducted for the old existing bridge at Katonga, UNRA said it was established that the bridge can withstand loading up to 30 tonnes.

As a result, the existing bridge has now been opened to all buses in addition to the light vehicles that were earlier permitted to use the section under the precautionary measures that are to be implemented immediately by the Contractor (China Communications Construction Company Ltd) during this time.

“All permitted traffic is, therefore, strongly urged to follow the signage in place and all the traffic guidelines established at a safe approach distance to the bridge,” a statement from UNRA read.

Currently, works on Phase II of the restoration works at Katonga (construction of the steel bridge) are ongoing and on completion will enable full restoration of traffic at Katonga section before permanent works can commence.