Historic Swing Bridge Secures $28M Upgrade Thanks to Japan

It’s official, the Belize City Swing Bridge, a century-old icon and the last manually operated swing bridge in Central America, is about to get a major upgrade. Today in Belize City, the Governments of Belize and Japan signed a landmark agreement to fund its reconstruction, a project valued at an impressive twenty-eight million Belize dollars. The deal was sealed through an Exchange of Notes and a Grant Agreement, with signatures from the Japanese ambassador and Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca on behalf of Belize. Prime Minister John Briceño also inked the agreement alongside JICA’s Chief Representative, Hiromi Nai. It’s about preserving a symbol of Belize City’s identity, a connection to our past that continues to shape our future. Japan’s Ambassador highlighted the partnership as part of a broader commitment to sustainable development, resilience, and improved livelihoods in Belize.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

The Belize City Swing Bridge is more than steel and bolts; it’s also a living piece of history. Installed back in 1923, this iconic landmark is the last manually operated swing bridge in all of Central America. And now, after more than a century of service, it’s finally getting the facelift it deserves. The reconstruction project is being funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Belize and Japan. At today’s signing ceremony, Prime Minister John Briceño delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that this restoration is about preserving a symbol of Belize City’s identity, a connection to our past that continues to shape our future.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This project is in part preserving a part of our rich cultural relic, which while anticipating the harsh realities of construction in a flood prone area f the nation. Today we approach his project fully aware that replacing the Swing Bridge which is replacing a part of Belize City’s identity. And I find it kind of cute that we are talking about replacing the Swing Bridge and still calling it the Swing Bridge that will not swing. So I guess that bridge will always be named Swing Bridge. We also know that time marches on that the replacement is necessary for a future where public safety, economic continuity and climate resilience are a priority.”

Prime Minister Briceño then formally signed the grant agreement, bringing the project one step closer to implementation. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat outlined the project, stressing the need to protect the bridge’s historic character while upgrading its essential components for the future. He says they have been lobbying for the reconstruction of the Swing Bridge since August of 2021.

 

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing

“To put it in context, it is one project we had envisioned form the day we got elected and it is called the George Price Rehabilitation Project. It includes five blocks. One was the highway leading out of Belize City to Hattieville. The second would have been from Hattieville to Democracia, the third from Democracies to Belmopan and the fourth is the Swing Bridge and the fifth the Belcan Bridge. It is one project. In a gracious response to Belize’s solicitation JICA expressed interest in the project and in April 2023 began initial project planning for Japanese grant aid as a counter measure against climate change and disaster preparedness which I understand is a JICA policy for Belize”

 

Hiromi Nai is the Chief Representative for JICA in the region, operating out of El Salvador. She highlighted the cultural and economic value of the Swing Bridge and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Belize’s development priorities.

 

Hiromi Nai, Chief Representative, JICA,

“It is a pleasure for us to sign on the grant agreement for the official start of an important project of Belize. This is a truly memorable occasion for the twenty-sixth anniversary of the JICA Belize office. Today JICA is focusing on resilience in Belize. In line with this we are engaged chiefly in climate change as a way of human resource development and industry promotion involving agriculture. This project is a part of our commitment to climate change for the citizens of society.”

 

Recent beautification and preservation efforts were spearheaded by the Belize City Council, but a full replacement has been long overdue. Although the bridge’s reconstruction will take more than two years, the council will manage traffic by routing vehicles over a temporary bridge at Hyde’s Lane and North Front Street. Mayor Bernard Wagner says the city is fortunate and deserves such a comprehensive restoration project.

 

Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City

“For generations it has stood as the beating heart of downtown Belize City, a daily crossing point for thousands and a powerful symbol linking our southside and northside communities. It connects not only the two sides, but our past, present and future. This project is a demonstration of what happens when vision, partnership, political will and leadership converge. It is a promise kept and an obligation being delivered. It reflects the kind of infrastructure development that Belize City deserves, a resilient one, a functional one and built to serve the people for decades to come.”

 

With construction expected to breathe new life into a historic landmark, the restoration of the Belize Swing Bridge ensures that a symbol of national pride will continue to serve generations to come. Shane Williams for News Five.