History
The Bridge Authority is a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament on June 26th 1998, as a continuation of the former Paradise Island Bridge Company Limited, established in 1988. The Bridge Authority incorporates all of the powers of the Paradise Island Bridge Authority, with extended powers and responsibilities, which allow it to construct, own, manage, and operate any bridge in The Bahamas.
Paradise Island was once known as Hog Island because pigs were originally grown on the island. The island, with an area of 685 acres, is located just across the harbor from the city of Nassau on the northern edge of the island of New Providence.
Paradise Island is connected to the island of New Providence by two bridges that cross Nassau Harbour. The old (eastern) bridge was built in 1966 by Resorts International and commissioned in April1967.
Before the construction of the new (western) bridge, which was commissioned on December 11th 1998, the old bridge carried two lanes of traffic, one heading north and the other heading south, with two pedestrian walkways along the east and west sides. The old bridge now consists of two traffic lanes both heading south and the new bridge consists of three traffic lanes heading north, with a pedestrian walkway along the west side.
In October 1997, following a competitive bidding process, the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, entered into a contract with Interbeton BV, a company based in The Netherlands, to design and construct a second bridge at a cost of $21.6 million. The parties also agreed to a $4.9 million, restoration of the eastern bridge. In March 1998, the Bridge Authority issued a $28.0 million bond to cover these costs, along with additional financing and pre-opening costs.
Our Mission Statement
We are the governing body that is responsible for oversight, operations and maintenance of bridges, while managing revenues to make us a viable, self-sustaining corporate entity. We are committed to providing professional, customer friendly, safe and easy passage across bridges, while creating value for our various stakeholders; to include employees, investors and the general public.
Our Vision Statement
No matter your reason for crossing, be it business or pleasure, our bridges will provide safe access there.
