Over 200 workers added to expedite work on New Demerara Bridge

President Dr. Irfaan Ali visited the construction site of the new Demerara River Bridge this morning, where he engaged in discussions with the engineers overseeing the project.

During the visit, the contractor, China Railway Construction (International) Limited, updated the President on measures taken to ensure the timely completion of the project. These include adding over 200 workers, including engineers, to expedite the construction of the main spans.

The President toured various sections of the ongoing work and provided feedback on the project. He highlighted elements he would like to see incorporated into the design, including potential improvements to the road layouts connecting the eastern and western roads to the bridge.

In conversation with one of the engineers, President Ali emphasised the importance of reducing traffic congestion and ensuring a smooth flow of vehicles on and off the new bridge. He pointed out that it is essential for the necessary roads to be properly linked, allowing seamless traffic movement when exiting the bridge, in order to avoid bottlenecks at the exits.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader plans to develop a highway from the new bridge, extending through Wales, Bartica, and ultimately reaching Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara.

The President added that the project will open up tens of thousands of acres of land for farming activities and new housing schemes, creating opportunities for residents. Further developments within the region, including the Parika port facility and the creation of a second power plant, will transform the region into a modern industrial manufacturing hub, generating thousands of jobs by fostering new industries.

The US$260 million Demerara Bridge, the first of its kind in South America, is designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, significantly boosting the country’s infrastructure capabilities.

In May 2022, the government signed the contract for the new bridge as part of its plans to expand and modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure, and significantly reduce traffic congestion on the East Bank of Demerara.

The contract was awarded to the Joint Venture of China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Limited and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Company Limited.

According to project details, the hybrid-designed bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure (two carriageways), a cycle lane, and will span 2.65 kilometres in length, with a driving surface of about 23.6 metres (77.8 feet). The bridge is expected to have a lifespan of approximately 100 years.

Men busy at work on the bridge