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The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Roads and Bridges has cautioned heavy truck drivers using Kapuri Bridge in Luri Payam of Juba County to limit their loads to less than 20 tons after engineers identified structural damage on the bridge.

Kapuri Bridge, a key route linking Juba to Western Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal and other states, has remained under pressure since its collapse in 2012 due to flooding, with recurring safety concerns during the rainy season.

Speaking during an inspection visit west of Juba City on Tuesday, Gabriel Makur Amour said engineers detected cracks in the main beams, raising safety concerns for motorists and transporters.

He said the bridge remains important for the movement of people and goods, including construction materials from Luri, but immediate restrictions are required to prevent further deterioration or possible collapse.

Drivers carrying heavy loads have been advised to reduce cargo to below 20 tons or use a single restricted lane while temporary safety measures are installed on the affected section.

Makur warned that continued violation of the directive could lead to a full closure of the bridge until repairs are completed.

“We are saying that those using the bridge carrying building materials from Luri must restrict loads to less than 20 tons or use the other lane until we put preventive measures along the unfinished section behind me. Otherwise, we are going to close the whole bridge until the necessary measures are done,” he said.

Bridge Engineer at the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, George Duku Aggrey, called on users to follow the safety guidance as engineers work on both temporary and permanent solutions.

He said the Ministry is considering emergency interventions, including installation of a support truss to maintain traffic flow during repairs.

Aggrey added that one lane will remain closed at the damaged section where the beam has ruptured to prevent accidents and avoid structural failure.

“We are here to see what should be done so that the bridge can return to functional use. As a measure, we shall look at several options like putting a truss so traffic is not interrupted while we work on a permanent solution. For now, people need to move with caution because part of the bridge is restricted where the beam ruptured so vehicles do not fall or the bridge collapse,” he said.

The Ministry of Roads and Bridges said it is working with the contractor to open an alternative route and restore safe movement across the bridge.