ST. CROIX — The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works announced today that repairs to the Queen Mary Highway bridge that opened to traffic on July 24 are necessary after minor defects were identified late last month by the Federal Highway Administration’s Eastern Federal Lands Division in collaboration with DPW, according to a DPW news release.
These defects include issues with the bridge approaches and signs of "shoving" — the formation of ripples across the pavement — on the bridge deck, the release stated. To address these concerns, a meeting was promptly held with Custom Builders, the project contractor, to develop a plan of action.
While the defects on the bridge approaches have already been corrected, the contractor is currently awaiting the arrival of a bridge membrane, which is essential for ensuring the asphalt properly adheres to the bridge’s superstructure. DPW has emphasized that the bridge is not "sinking," despite rumors circulating online and on radio broadcasts.
“We’ve received several calls from concerned citizens about the condition of the recently reopened bridge,” Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel said in a statement. “I want to assure the public that the irregularities are not due to structural issues at all. We worked with our partners at Eastern Federal Lands to ensure the bridge remains safe. DPW will make sure the repairs are made as quickly as possible, and all concerns are addressed. Public safety remains our No. 1 priority.”
Once the bridge membrane arrives on the island, it will be installed to help the asphalt adhere to the bridge deck. The repairs are expected to take two to three days, depending on weather conditions. DPW will issue an alert before the bridge is closed for repairs. In the meantime, drivers are urged to proceed with caution and adhere to the posted speed limit of 20 mph when crossing the bridge.
The DPW press release did not indicate whether the repairs were covered by a warranty or if additional funds will be needed to effectuate the repairs.
