The
Development Planning Unit
Government of the British Virgin Islands

Beef Island Bridge

Description and Scope:
This project entails the demolition of the existing bridge structure and the construction of a new two-lane bridge connecting the islands of Tortola and Beef Island. The major objective of the project is to increase the BVI’s transport capability by improving the road and bridge network.

Background:
The current bridge structure, the Queen Elizabeth (QEII) Bridge was constructed by the UK Government and commissioned in 1966. It is a single lane bridge, with an initial design life of 30 years. And over the years, it has become an integral part of the physical infrastructure of the islands, one that plays a crucial role with respect to transport and overall economic development. Whereas the island of Tortola is home to the Territory’s capital (Road Town), the center of commerce, the major medical facilities, educational facilities and other economic and social institutions, the island of Beef Island houses the Territory’s major airport. It is estimated that over 300,000 passengers traverse the Beef Island Airport on an annual basis. And now with the commencement of the Beef Island Airport project, which will include the construction of new terminal building, runway extension and other ancillary works, this figure is expected to increase significantly. Additionally, Beef Island is a growing residential area, as well as home to guesthouses, restaurants and popular beaches. With the increase in population and economic activity on the island and within the Territory on the whole, ever-increasing demands are being placed on the Territory’s physical infrastructure, and the bridge is no exception. Although routine maintenance was carried out on the QEII Bridge, weather, increased vehicular traffic and vehicular weight has over a period spanning some 30 plus years, severely eroded the physical integrity of the structure. This is particularly true as it relates to the underwater section of the bridge, which has already demonstrated signs of advanced corrosion in some areas. For this reason, the complete replacement of the structure is warranted, and this in turn is consistent with government’s policy on providing the necessary infrastructure to enhance the country’s social and economic development Government is committed to the improvement of the transport network, this project

Project Rationale:
The construction of a new bridge joining the island of Beef Island and Tortola is expected to improve transport capability within the BVI, which is significantly linked to all sectors of the BVI economy. Referred to as the "…gateway to Tortola" (Gibbs), the existence of a quality bridge structure may even contribute to visitor’s perception of the island of Tortola, or the BVI as a whole, and this in turn may enhance the quality of visitors’ experience that in turn will positively impact the BVI economy. Other benefits include:

1.   Improved safety resulting from increased visibility etc. on the approach roads;

2.   Reduced traffic delays, as the new structure will channel the flow of two-way traffic, which will positively impact vehicle operating costs and time savings

3.   Improved revenue collection as a result of better management of toll facilities etc.

Capital and recurring costs such as operational expenses etc. will be borne by the Government of the British Virgin Islands.

Summary of Related Studies:
In 1990, the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) engaged the services of Sir Alexander Gibbs and Partners (UK) to carry out a feasibility study on the condition of the bridge. In addition to the inspection and assessment of the physical structure, an economic assessment on several investment options for the rehabilitative work was carried out. The final report (Gibbs, 1990) concluded that the structure of the bridge was in sound condition, the only exceptions being the piles (within the splash zone) and the bearings at the end of the lifting span. It was recommended that these items be refurbished and that regular maintenance would enable the structure to perform satisfactorily for the next 10 – 20 years, the only constraining factor being the rate of corrosion to the piles. Gibbs also reported that owing to the low rates of development in the Beef Island area and the Territory as a whole, and the modest increases in traffic levels, the bridge was not expected to be a hindrance to any future developments on Beef Island; but that a second assessment (review) be carried out in approximately 10 years.

In 1992, Gibbs & Partners were subsequently engaged to design the remedial works to the bridge structure, but these extensive remedial works were not executed; and so by 1996, again at the request of the ODA, Gibbs and Partners carried out a second inspection on the bridge structure. The QEII Bridge, having by now reached the end of its design life, was deemed by the consultants to be in an advanced stage of deterioration, particularly with respect to the substructure i.e. piling and reinforcements. The following recommendations were put forward in the final (Gibbs, 1996) report:

1.   Immediate implementation of remedial works of 1990.

2.   Implementation of additional works:

a.  Extend pile-reinforcing collars to within 400mm of the underside of the pipe caps.
b.  Fit sacrificial anodes to the piles
c.  Replace all timber works on span 4.
d.  Replace bottom chord angles on north side of span 3 and carry out additional remedial / repair work to steel.
e.  Breakout and reconstruct concrete kerb upstands.

3.   Request the Contractor to price for removal of counterweight steelwork on span 3, and provide additional hand railing on each side of bridge as per other spans. Compare this with cost of the remedial and repainting works in the Contract and decide whether or not to remove the steelwork.

4.   Prior to fabrication of the reinforcing collars, accurately measure thickness of sound steel in two faces of each pile at 200 mm intervals from the underside of the pile-cap, for a distance of 4m. Report these findings to the Engineer supervising the works and copy to Sir Alexander Gibbs & Partners Ltd.

5.   Re-inspect the structure underwater in 2000.

6.   Plan for a new to structure to be in service by the year 2005.

Given the advanced state of deterioration on the QE II Bridge structure, the construction of a new bridge (Recommendation #6), was deemed to be the most feasible course of action.

Expected Output:

The re-construction of the Beef Island Bridge will improve transport between the islands of Tortola and Beef Island. The project itself is comprised of four components:

1.   The design and construction of the bridge:
2.   The design and re-positioning of the approach roads;
3.   The construction of the toll-booth and relevant infrastructure;
4.   The re-location and construction of the fisherman’s wharf;

Each component will be executed separately (separate contractors), and activities will be phased over a two (2) year period. The first phase, design and construction of the bridge and approach roads scheduled to commence in 2000.

Associated Risks:
Assuming that negotiations with landowners are successful and complete and that requisite funding is secured, the only other risks associated with the execution of this project will be safety as it relates to the flow of vehicular traffic. Provisions will have to be made regarding the use of the current bridge structure, in that weight restrictions may be have to be implemented so as to ensure the safety of the motoring public while simultaneously maintaining the structure of the bridge while the new one is being constructed. With the re-construction of the approach roads, various traffic measures will have to be implemented to ensure the uninhibited flow of traffic during road construction and the minimization of accidents and delays. Additionally, the re-location of the dock will temporarily displace fishermen; and the new bridge will be designed so as to withstand the effects of natural hazards such as hurricane force winds etc. Given the proper coordination of works, and the implementation of appropriate safety measures, most risks associated with this project are manageable.

LOGICAL FRAMEWORK
BEEF ISLAND BRIDGE

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