Residents and commuters of Region Ten can soon expect improved traffic flow as the new US$35 million Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge is expected to be fully operational by June.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill made the announcement during the opening of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge Office Building on Sunday.
“The Mackenzie/Wismar bridge is going to be ready for June, and that is going to be a big day for Linden,” he said.
The 220-metre-long precast structure is being built by China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd and is designed to improve connectivity between the Mackenzie and Wismar communities. Two access roads and roundabouts are being installed to complement the bridge, while connecting roads will be expanded into four lanes, incorporating a geo-carriageway, median, and traffic islands to improve safety and traffic flow.
The project forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades in the region, including works along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. When completed, the bridge is expected to deliver long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits for residents and facilitate more efficient movement in and out of Linden.
Minister Edghill also highlighted several other major bridge projects in the pipeline. The proposed Kurupakari Bridge across the Essequibo River is set to replace the current pontoon crossing, which does not operate on a 24-hour basis. Sections of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge are being repurposed to create additional links, including the Timehri Sandhills to Bartica Road corridor, with geotechnical studies already completed. Similar works are planned to support connections between Leguan and Wakenaam.
On the new Berbice River Bridge, Edghill confirmed that negotiations and financing discussions are ongoing. “Once we get closure on the negotiations and financing, we are ready to sign a contract,” he said.
Republished from DPI
