The Land Transport Authority is now talking to Ports Authority to conduct loading checks for trucks before they leave the wharves in Suva.
LTA officers are no longer conducting loading checks for trucks at the Suva end of Tamavua-i-Wai bridge.
Chief Executive Officer Naisa Tuinaceva confirmed that the officers are on the ground conducting checks in different parts of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
He said they cannot be there 24/7.
Fijivillage has raised this issue with Fiji Roads Authority and LTA as FRA had clearly stated that Tamavua-i-Wai bridge was seriously compromised due to overloaded vehicles.
We have asked Tuinaceva what is being done to ensure that overloaded trucks do not cause this problem again as the bridge is the only entry and exit point for Suva along Queens Highway.
Tuinaceva said they are working with Ports Authority and are also relying on companies using trucks to follow the weight restrictions.
Fijivillage has noticed trucks with excessive loads passing Tamavua-i-Wai bridge over the past few days without any checks being conducted.
Many trucks are again travelling at night with heavy loads.
This was happening in the past before the bridge had to be restricted to one lane which caused major traffic disruptions for thousands of workers and students on a daily basis.
Tuinaceva said they are aware of this issue and hope good sense will prevail.
The weight restriction for vehicles is 18 tonnes at the moment.
When asked on who will take responsibility for the damage to the bridge from overloaded vehicles, Tuinaceva said the LTA will monitor the situation and they hope to sign an agreement with Ports Authority to monitor the loads coming out of the wharves.
When asked on plans for a new bridge and alternative options, the FRA said this is a high priority bridge for the authority and replacement options are being worked through at the moment for a replacement structure within the next 5 years.
FRA said LTA should comment on the monitoring of overloaded vehicles.
