Kapuri Bridge, Luri Payam. Photo credit: Ministry of Raods and Bridges.

The Ministry of Roads and Bridges has announced the immediate enforcement of a vehicle load restriction on Kapuri Bridge along the Juba, Luri, Mundri road corridor, citing serious structural deterioration that poses a threat to public safety.

In an official order issued in Juba today (25 June 2026), the Ministry said a recent technical inspection and structural assessment of the bridge revealed advanced deterioration of key structural elements, reduced load-bearing capacity, possible section loss in critical members, and compromised overall integrity.

According to the order, the findings indicate that the bridge is at risk of localized or progressive structural failure if urgent measures are not taken to reduce traffic loading.

Under Order No. 05/2026, signed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Eng. Gabriel Makur Amour, only light vehicles will be allowed to cross Kapuri Bridge with immediate effect. Heavy trucks, commercial transport vehicles, construction machinery, and any other vehicles exceeding the prescribed 5-ton load limit have been banned from using the bridge until further notice.

The Ministry said the decision follows technical recommendations calling for immediate interim risk mitigation measures to prevent excessive stress on the bridge and avoid further deterioration while construction of a traffic diversion is underway.

In the order, Eng. Gabriel Makur Amour said the restriction is necessary to protect lives and preserve the bridge until permanent rehabilitation works are completed.

“A recent technical inspection and structural condition assessment conducted on the existing Kapuri Bridge revealed significant structural deficiencies, including advanced deterioration of structural elements, reduced load-bearing capacity, possible section loss in critical members, and compromised structural integrity, which collectively pose a substantial risk of localized or progressive structural failure,” the order stated.

To enforce the directive, the Ministry instructed the Directorate of Roads and Bridges, in collaboration with traffic police and security agencies, to install signs showing the 5-ton maximum load limit at all approaches to the bridge, establish control mechanisms to regulate vehicle movement, and monitor compliance with the order.

Transport operators, commercial businesses, and road users have been urged to fully observe the new restrictions and, where necessary, use alternative routes or make other logistical arrangements for transporting heavy goods and equipment.

The Ministry also said it will accelerate work on a proposed concrete bridge and temporary traffic diversion measures, including the construction of an engineered bypass and a hydraulically designed culvert crossing, to ensure the continued movement of traffic during the construction period.

The order will remain in force until the Ministry confirms through a formal structural assessment that Kapuri Bridge has been rehabilitated, replaced, or declared safe for normal traffic loading.

Authorities warned that any person, company, or transport operator found violating the order will face legal and administrative action under South Sudan’s laws governing road use and public safety.