UPDATE ON CARACAS-LA GUAIRA BRIDGE BYPASS ROAD

UNCLAS CARACAS 001293 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR DAN TOMLINSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAIR ETRD KDEM PGOV ASEC VE SUBJECT: UPDATE ON CARACAS-LA GUAIRA BRIDGE BYPASS ROAD REF: CARACAS 1263 This message is sensitive but unclassified, please treat accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Traffic on the Bridge Bypass Road built to link Caracas to the main air and sea ports has resumed on both lanes for heavy and light traffic, with some intermittent closures. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MINFRA) has announced possible closures from 10PM-4AM to reinforce the steep pitching against landslide damage. The Association of Engineers of Venezuela (CIV) studied road conditions and ascertained that it would take six weeks to adequately fortify the pitching against landslide damage, during which the road would have to be closed. The CIV also said publicly that the poor quality of the road was due to the hastiness with which it was built. (Note: CIV accurately predicted the collapse of the bridge and the current problems with the bypass road. End Note). As the rains continue, further landslide damage is expected, unless MINFRA can install adequate barriers and make necessary repairs. BROWNFIELD