Karuma Bridge, located at the edge of Murchison Falls National Park, approximately 270 km north of Kampala along the Kampala-Gulu highway in Kiryandongo District, was constructed in 1963, just a year after Uganda’s independence. Its primary purpose was to improve transportation and economic connectivity across the country, particularly in the West Nile and Northern Uganda regions, and it remains a key gateway for the area.
Over time, the bridge has experienced significant deterioration due to the stresses from increased traffic loads. Issues such as cracks, spalled deck soffits, broken expansion joints, and damaged elastomeric bearings have compromised its structural integrity. Further deterioration has included exposed reinforcing bars and the corrosion of steel elements. Additionally, safety concerns have been raised due to steep gradients and sharp curves at the bridge’s approach roads, emphasizing the urgent need for rehabilitation.
To ensure effective repairs, it was necessary to temporarily close the bridge, which affected over 4 million people living in West Nile and the Acholi region. The Ministry of Works and Transport officially announced the closure of the bridge on Monday, 23rd September 2024, to allow for a comprehensive rehabilitation effort expected to take about three months. This decision was made following a joint assessment by Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the contractor, emphasizing the critical importance of collaboration in addressing infrastructure challenges.
The rehabilitation work was carried out by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG). The bridge consists of three spans with a total length of 84.8 meters, measuring 16 meters, 48.8 meters, and 20 meters, supported by abutments and two intermediate piers. It features two main girders, each 2.52 meters, and two secondary girders with a depth of 400mm. The bridge’s deck cross-section measures 8.3 meters, offering a wider carriageway than most other bridges, with a slab thickness ranging from 400mm at primary girder intersections to 300mm at secondary girder intersections. The entire structure is connected by truss systems, diaphragms, and 12 elastomeric bearings.
By the time of the tour, rehabilitation progress stood at 79.1%, slightly behind the planned 80%, with the delay attributed to additional safety measures implemented on-site.
Key elements of the rehabilitation included:
1. Deck Replacement: Complete demolition and replacement of the concrete deck in segments.
2. Substructure Strengthening: Retrofitting of abutments and piers to enhance structural stability.
3. Structural Steel Rehabilitation: Sandblasting, repainting, retorquing connections, and replacing bolts and nuts.
4. Bearing Replacement: Installation of new, functional bearings made from a composite of steel and rubber.
5. Approach Junction Replacement: Installation of new expansion joints to enhance movement capacity.
6. Approach Road Improvements: Drainage improvements, lighting installation, and safety measures such as parapet walls and speed checks.
The key project team included:
• Contract Manager & Team Lead: Eng. Lawrence Pariyo
• Project Bridge Engineer: Eng. Ben Owilli Oyunu
• Resident Engineer: Eng. Morris Ewama
• Deputy Resident Engineer: Eng. Charles Bongomin
• Structural Engineer: Eng. Denis Opige
• Materials Engineer: Eng. Liberty Enock
• Project Surveyor: Mr. Jude Waidha Tadeo
• Works Inspectors: Mr. Denis Tyan and Mr. Christ Ongom
Notably, six out of the nine key personnel were members of UIPE and registered engineers, showcasing the dominance of certified professionals in leading high-profile infrastructure projects. This underlines the importance of involving registered engineers to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of public infrastructure.
The project also emphasizes the value of capacity-building and policies that prioritize certified professionals for critical projects. UIPE encourages all engineers to pursue professional registration, which not only enhances career prospects but also opens doors to leadership roles in national infrastructure projects.
The rehabilitation of Karuma Bridge, now open to traffic, was completed within the original project timeline, serving as a testament to the benefits of having qualified professionals lead such essential infrastructure projects.