Closure of Karuma, Ayago bridges extended to mid-March

____________________

The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has announced the extension of the closure of the Karuma and Ayago bridges until March 17, 2025, to facilitate the installation of expansion joints. This critical step will ensure the long-term stability and safety of the bridges.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 9, Gen. Katumba explained that the extension would allow the works ministry to complete ongoing repairs on the Masindi Port ferry, which serves as one of the alternative routes for motorists.

“The Ministry of Works and Transport informs the general public that the closure of Karuma and Ayago bridges has been extended to Monday, 17th March 2025. This extension will allow us to complete ongoing repairs on the Masindi Port Ferry, which is one of the designated alternative routes for motorists,” Gen. Katumba said.

He added that, during the closure, Karuma and Ayago bridges will be inaccessible to all traffic to facilitate the installation of the expansion joints as initially planned. The bridges are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Karuma Bridge was partially reopened on December 20, 2024, for light vehicles following urgent repairs carried out by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade to ease movement during the festive season. These repairs included the replacement of a new deck.

However, Gen. Katumba noted that further work is required to fully restore this strategic highway, necessitating the final upgrades. The repairs are expected to take three weeks.

The minister provided alternative routes for travellers: those from Kampala to Gulu/West Nile travel via Luwero - Kafu - Masindi - Paraa (Murchison Falls National Park) - Pakwach, or Gulu via Olwiyo (and vice versa), while travellers from Kampala to Lira travel via Jinja - Iganga - Nakalama - Tirinyi - Pallisa - Kumi - Soroti - Lira (and vice versa).

What are expansion joints?

Works ministry spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa explained that expansion joints are crucial components in bridge construction and maintenance. They ensure the structural integrity, durability, and safety of bridges.

“Their primary purpose is to accommodate movements caused by various environmental and operational factors. Here’s why they are important: they allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Bridges expand in hot temperatures and contract in cold temperatures due to material expansion and contraction. Without expansion joints, the bridge could crack or deform due to thermal stresses.”

He also highlighted that they prevent structural damage: “Bridges are subject to dynamic loads from vehicles, wind, and seismic activity. Expansion joints absorb and distribute these stresses, preventing excessive strain on the structure.”

Ssempebwa noted that they enhance safety and ride comfort: “Properly installed expansion joints ensure a smooth driving surface, minimising sudden bumps or gaps that could cause accidents. They reduce vibrations that could otherwise weaken the bridge over time.”

He further explained that expansion joints help maintain bridge longevity: “By reducing internal stress and cracking, expansion joints help extend the lifespan of the bridge. They minimise wear and tear on key structural elements, reducing maintenance costs in the long run.”

He added that they accommodate seismic and traffic loads: “Expansion joints allow flexibility during earthquakes, preventing severe structural damage. Heavy traffic loads also exert pressure, and these joints help the bridge adjust accordingly.”

Ssempebwa also noted that expansion joints prevent water damage: “Expansion joints help control water drainage, preventing accumulation that could lead to erosion, rust, and weakening of the bridge structure.”