Old Railway Line Bridge: Disaster Waiting To Happen

By Catherine Dumbuya

A bridge is a vital structure that carries people and goods over rivers, roads, railways and other obstacles. In Freetown, the Old Railway Line Bridge in Brookfields has long served as a critical lifeline for residents and commuters.

Constructed in 1982, the bridge has for decades linked Brookfields to key areas, including the St. John axis, supporting daily movement and economic activity. However, its current dilapidated state has sparked serious public concern, as visible cracks and structural damage now pose a potential threat to lives.

One of the bridge’s supporting pillars is reportedly eroding, weakening the foundation and raising fears of a possible collapse. Many residents describe the bridge as unsafe and unstable, warning that continued use without urgent intervention could lead to disaster. They have urged the government, particularly the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), to carry out an immediate inspection and commence remedial works to prevent accidents.

Concerns over the bridge were further discussed on the SLBC “Good Morning” programme on January 29, 2026, where the Chief Engineer of Bridges and Ferries at the SLRA, Engineer Bockarie Kamara, addressed the issue. Kamara said the Old Railway Line Bridge serves not only the Brookfields community, but also a wider section of the population, making its condition a national concern.

He explained that the SLRA has been monitoring the bridge over time, and inspections revealed that the middle pier had been undermined due to a combination of human activities and climate change. Despite the damage, Kamara said the bridge can still be used temporarily while maintenance plans are being developed.

As an interim safety measure, the SLRA has imposed load restrictions on the bridge. Only cars and light vans with a maximum weight of four tonnes are permitted to cross. Kamara cited Section 71 of the SLRA Act, which empowers the authority to impose load restrictions on bridges and ferries when necessary. This legal provision led to the installation of geometric and physical barriers at the site.

However, Kamara expressed concern that some heavy truck drivers, particularly container truck operators, routinely violate these restrictions at night. He said they often remove or shift signposts and barriers to cross the bridge, describing the actions as lawless and disheartening.

According to Kamara, the recent structural challenges have been exacerbated by heavy rains, but the SLRA remains committed to ensuring the bridge remains intact and serviceable while longer-term solutions are pursued.

Residents continue to call for swift action, warning that any delay in maintenance could have serious consequences for public safety in the heart of Freetown.