Sinanan: La Horquetta walkover no threat to drivers, pedestrians

One day after a video highlighting the rust and corrosion at the La Horquetta walkover was circulated on social media, Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan said he visited the site and walked along the platform where he saw firsthand the disrepair.

Speaking with Newsday on Thursday, Sinanan said while he acknowledged there was need for urgent repairs to the walkover, he maintained it was structurally sound and posed no threat to pedestrians or drivers on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.

He said he visited the site early on Thirsday with a team of engineers and inspectors who highlighted certain areas on the railings and the structures in need of repair.

"Although they (officials) they told me there would be no threat to anybody or anything happening I just wanted to see for myself so I toured it this morning (Thursday) and the instructions went out that they would start tomorrow to dismantle some of the signs and start to repair parts of it.

"We're hoping to start the repairs over this weekend and allay any fears to give the assurance that there are no structural defects on the walkover, what it is, is the actual structural cage is in need of repair due to wear and tear."

Asked how long the repairs were expected to take, Sinanan said he could not estimate, but confirmed the works would be done in-house using the ministry's resources.

He also said a team of inspectors have been assembled and would be visiting bridges, walkovers and other pieces of infrastructure across TT to observe and report any disrepair.

He said he hoped this new strategy would deal with problems in a more timely manner and prevent serious structural problems before they arise.

A media release on Thursday confirmed that the La Horquetta walkover was the focus of repairs before the video surfaced as the stairs and foundation have already been refurbished.