Maintenance and upgrade works continued yesterday at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) as Government persists in its efforts to provide a better service to the thousands of commuters who traverse the Demerara River every day.

The work yesterday saw the replacement of a broken transom (beam of the bridge) and the bridge was scheduled to be closed from 10:30hrs. – 12:30 hrs. However, it was re-opened to traffic a few minutes earlier after the repair works were completed by 12:15hrs.

This maintenance programme follows the extensive work that began last year after President Bharrat Jagdeo described the deterioration of the 30-year-old bridge as “unbelievable, almost criminal” and mandated its management to complete an assessment of the repairs needed to clear the way for Cabinet to intervene.

‘Operation Transom’, which involved work on the retractor span and the rehabilitation of the ‘chairs’ which support the transoms began in July 2008 and a new management team to oversee the operations of the DHB was installed.

The work also includes the rehabilitation of 70 pontoons, replacing one-extra large pontoon and three large pontoons for the bridge’s high span and retractor spans, and replacing 320 deck plates. These works were expected to cost some $555M.

Over the years, significant investments have been made by Government to maintain and upgrade the DHB and generally improve its services. In this regard, there has been replacement of wire ropes, sheaves, shackles, buoys and servicing of winches on the anchorage system. Among the main projects undertaken during the last year was the resurfacing of the structure, which cost $42M. Plans were also in place to fabricate and install 100 mesh panels, repair deckings as required, and carry out annual maintenance of the retractor span hydraulic system.

Also, efforts are being made to conduct a feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River. The study will focus on various types of bridges, location and estimated cost of the project.

The bridge was constructed in the 1970s and was commissioned on July 2, 1978. It accommodates the crossing of approximately 24,000 commuters daily. It was originally built to last 10 years but was repaired in 1998 through a major European Union (EU) project that cost US$10M which extended its life by another 15 years.

The bridge’s superstructure is supported by more than 100 pontoons, and comprises 61 spans. Its double retractor creates a clearance of 210 feet horizontally to facilitate the passage of ocean-going vessels. (GINA)