Berbice Bridge to become toll-free from August 1

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) today announced that toll charges for all categories of vehicles, freight, and vessels crossing the Berbice River Bridge will be removed starting 1 August.

The move fulfils a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The toll-free measure is expected to ease the financial burden on commuters and businesses in Guyana’s coastal regions, particularly residents of East and West Berbice who rely heavily on the bridge for daily travel and commerce.

“To prepare for this transition, the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 23:30 hrs (11:30 p.m.) on 31 July to 00:00 hrs (12:00 a.m.) on 1 August,” BBCI said in a statement.

President Ali had previously pledged to remove tolls at the bridge, describing the charges as a barrier to regional development and economic activity. His administration has since engaged in efforts to bring the bridge under greater public control and reduce costs for users.

Although tolls will no longer be collected, BBCI said the processing of vehicles at the toll booths will continue, and existing protocols—including vehicle weight restrictions—will remain in effect.

The 1.5-kilometre Berbice Bridge, which opened in 2008, is a key transport link across the Berbice River and serves thousands of commuters and freight operators daily.