Sen. Marvin Blyden is calling for immediate action after a portion of the deteriorating Cancryn pedestrian bridge fell onto a passing vehicle on St. Thomas last week, while Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel says the department hopes to complete emergency repairs within the next 30 days as officials continue weighing the bridge’s long-term future.
In a July 2 letter to Gabriel, Blyden described the bridge near the former Addelita Cancryn School as presenting “a serious and immediate concern for public safety” following the incident, which occurred at about 2 p.m. July 1. While no serious injuries were reported, Blyden said the outcome could easily have been far worse and urged the department to provide a written update on its plans by July 9.
The senator requested information on whether the bridge has been inspected since the incident, whether Public Works plans to demolish the structure, and what immediate measures will be taken to protect motorists and pedestrians from falling debris if demolition is not imminent. He also asked whether the department has coordinated with other agencies on possible removal as redevelopment continues in the Cancryn and Crown Bay areas.
Gabriel said the department plans to complete emergency repairs within approximately 30 days by removing a rusting, non-structural steel component that has begun deteriorating and breaking away.
According to Gabriel, the bridge underwent a preliminary inspection by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division about two years ago. That inspection resulted in minor repairs and concluded the bridge remained safe for use.
Still, last week’s incident has renewed public concern about the aging structure. A worker at Nisky Center said employees have worried about the bridge during their daily commute for years.
“I don’t think they need to fix it,” the worker said. “I think they need to remove it.”
Gabriel acknowledged that Blyden’s concerns are understandable but said the discussion must extend beyond calls for demolition.
“A letter doesn’t do much,” Gabriel said. “It doesn’t stop the bridge from deteriorating, it doesn’t help us remove the bridge, it doesn’t help us replace the bridge. Let’s have a discussion about where we can find the funds to be able to take down the bridge.”
The commissioner explained that because the U.S. Department of Transportation has already determined the bridge to be structurally sound, a demolition or replacement project is not currently eligible for federal funding, leaving any major project to be financed by the territorial government. He said no discussions have yet taken place between the Legislature and the Department of Public Works regarding an appropriation for demolition or replacement.
Gabriel also noted that the bridge holds historical significance for some residents.
“Some people within the community feel that the bridge is a part of who we are,” he said, adding that if the bridge were ultimately demolished, discussions would likely include what should replace it. He also noted the structure currently provides advertising revenue for the department, meaning alternative revenue sources would need to be identified if it is removed.
“Hopefully, within the next coming months we can come up with a decision on whether or not we are going to take it down,” Gabriel said.
In the meantime, the Department of Public Works said it apologizes for any damage caused by debris from the bridge. Anyone whose property has been damaged is encouraged to contact the department at 340-776-4844 or file a claim through the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.
