By Morgan Adderley

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

MARKET Street’s historic Gregory Arch was damaged on Friday as a result of a traffic accident on East Hill Street.

Police are still investigating the details of the accident. However, Road Traffic Superintendent Kent Strachan confirmed the accident to The Tribune on Friday.

Superintendent Strachan said: “I did get a report earlier this morning of an incident at that location. Police responded to that location and we’re satisfied based on the information that we have no reports of any serious [injuries] to anyone at this time.”

“Subsequent to that, we have reached out to the Ministry of Works, who have responded to the location to have the debris cleaned up and the area secured.”

“The matter is now under investigation and we are seeking to ensure that that is properly repaired so that there is no further injury or harm to anyone travelling along that terrain.”

Works Minister Desmond Bannister also provided The Tribune with a statement on the incident, which was sent by a ministry engineer.

It says: “A motor vehicle while travelling west on East Hill Street collided with the wall adjacent to Government House. That section of wall collapsed and fell onto Market Street.”

“The opening in the wall was secured by plywood and 2x4 lumber. The remainder of the wall is intact and does not pose a threat to the motoring and pedestrian commuters. Ministry of Works crew headed by Ken Miller cleared Market Street to allow vehicular access.”

“A small contract was mobilized to remove a large chunk of concrete wall out of the active roadway. Antiquities were contacted due to the historical nature of some of the stones.”

Gregory Arch was opened to the public on January 19, 1852 and named after British Governor John Gregory. The tunnel connects the “over the hill” communities of Bain and Grants Town with downtown Nassau. It has been referred to as “over the hill” as those living on either side of the arch no longer had to climb “over the hill” but could walk under the arch to go either to Bain Town to the south, or to Bay Street by way of Market Street to the north.