MARIGOT:--- Maritime professionals and members of Métimer protested at Sandy Ground Bridge on Thursday, demanding action over its prolonged failure to open for vessels and criticizing the Collectivité’s lack of concrete information about repairs.
Demonstrators carried banners highlighting the consequences for the boating industry. Their message included: “No bridge. No boats. No business.” The breakdown has persisted since August 11
The closure concerns marine passage through the movable bridge. The reports reviewed do not establish an ongoing closure to road traffic.
Diagnostic report was expected in October
The Collectivité announced on September 8 that technicians and a hydraulic expert would conduct a visual inspection. Opening and closing tests were scheduled for September 9 between 8:30 and 9 a.m., potentially causing temporary road traffic disruptions.
Its notice said the final diagnostic report was expected in October, following a civil engineering assessment. It provided no repair completion date.
Businesses are now seeking both an explanation of the failure and a timetable for restoring access.
Detours add costs and complications
According to Le97150, vessels must use Dutch-side routes, adding administrative procedures, charges, and delays. Deep-draft boats face particular difficulties.
Shipyards need to release vessels sheltered during hurricane season as tourism activity increases. Marine maintenance and technical businesses inside the lagoon also depend on access.
Métimer representatives told the newspaper they still lack a clear timetable despite approaching the Collectivité and CCISM. An October 15 meeting was supposed to produce information about the diagnosis and planned work.
The newspaper mentioned the main motor as a possible cause, but that explanation remains unconfirmed.
Concerns could reach Territorial Council
Le97150 reported banners and black flags at the bridge and Marina Royale. Jules Charville spoke with protesters, encouraged them to form a delegation, and said he intended to raise the issue at the November 13 Territorial Council meeting. His statement does not establish that a debate has been formally scheduled.
Earlier failure also disrupted access
The bridge suffered another disruption in January. It has been reported that opening operations were suspended because of defective safety barriers following unrest.
In February, maritime professionals warned that the earlier closure threatened more than 30 full-time jobs. That figure is not a verified assessment of the current breakdown.
As of the November 6 reports reviewed, no confirmed reopening date had emerged. Businesses are still waiting to learn what repairs are required and when vessels can again use the French-side passage.