The Fiji Roads Authority may close off the deteriorating bridge at Vesidrua in Vanua Levu due to constant violations of the weight limit.

The single-lane wooden bridge is the only access linking people traveling to and from Labasa, Savusavu and Nabouwalu in Vanua Levu.

Chief Executive Jonathan Moore says despite the weight restriction in place for some time now, its continuous disregard has left the FRA with no choice but to take the hard decision.

He adds that do not want to risk the lives of the public.

“But if it continues to be overloading at this extent one of the bridges will fail. We are concerned about closing the road because it is the only link between Labasa, Nabouwalu and Savusavu and for public safety we may have to or alternatively if we leave it long enough the bridge will close itself, when someone goes across the bridge with 30 tonnes, the bridge will collapse. This needs to stop now.”

The FRA is also working with the Land Transport Authority to install weighbridges.

Meanwhile, work on replacing the Vesidrua Bridge is expected start in the next two months.