MOTORISTS operating the Linden/Lethem road were forced to operate with extreme caution after a bridge located close to the Mabura junction collapsed.The bridge, which was built with several logs compacted with mud, gave way on Monday, disrupting the flow of traffic along the roadway. It is unclear if the situation has been remedied but

persons familiar with the situation noted that the smaller vehicles can operate along the route, while larger vehicles such as trucks have to exercise caution when traversing the area.

At the moment the roadway is reportedly dusty and dry and reports are that the logs used in constructing the bridge in question may have outlived their time.

The Linden/Lethem road provides a vital economic link between Lethem and the coastland. However, for years the state of the roadway has affected travel along the route.

Recently, top European Investment Bank official, Pim van Ballekom said that it is one of several relative projects which the bank is examining. He said that he was informed that it is a project which is long overdue and stated that a government minister informed that the roadway should have been built some 55 years ago.

The EIB official described the project as one which is “mature”, and said the task now is to examine and realise it.