This is day four now since the Yalu Bridge has gone down due to continuous rain and flood in the Morobe Province causing travellers, locals and business communities to be stuck on either side of the bridge. The Acting Secretary for Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba visited the Yalu Bridge emergency works today and assessed the extent of the damage and the repair works undertaken. Present at the site during the visit was Contractor, China Railway International Group, Acting Deputy Secretary (Network Planning, Design and Standards), Mr. Simeon Suagu, Engineer to the Lae - Nadzab 4 Lane Project, Mr. John Kaio, Provincial Works Manager Morobe, Mr. Samson Apai, and the staff from DoWH and Contractor. Mr. Holemba upon his site inspection pointed out that the bridge should be restored by Tuesday, 27th August 2024 if the weather permits. It has been established that 50 meters of Bridge approach from Lae side was eroded by flood on Friday, 23rd August 2024 Moreover, the contractor CRIG and DoWH Provincial staff were able to respond swiftly to open temporary wet crossing on Saturday. Currently traffic flow is back to normal as major repair works are being undertaken. It is estranged that major repair work should be completed by tomorrow if weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, the Lae City Authority has put out a public notice to inform all locals to stay at home or back at their villages until their ward councillors advise them that access is open. It is understood that despite opening a temporary wet crossing has been established access for pedestrians and 4WD will be RESTRICTED from 7.00pm to dawn for the safety of crossing. Wet Weather pedestrian crossing continues between dawn to 7.00pm as does 4WD but those who choose this crossing do it at their own risk and are strongly advised to follow the instructions whether safe to cross or not. Also, the Wet Weather 4WD access also is open between dawn and 7.00pm but snorkel is recommended at present Lae City Authority also advices that in the case of an EMERGENCY between these hours (i.e - Travelling to Hospital) travellers are urged to please discuss with a Police personals before attempting crossing. At the meantime, site assessment and regular update are being provided to get this vital thoroughfare open as soon as possible. Provincial Administrator Mr Max Bruton extended gratitude to the business houses that are providing food and drinks to Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary personals and other local Security firms who are doing an excellent job providing protection for both the community and business houses whose trucks and assets are parked up on the Nadzab side The Provincial Administrator Bruton also extended heartfelt thanks to Hon DPM John Rosso MP, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge MP and Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus for their support and drive to achieve a speedy and effective opening of Yalu Bridge.