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However, in the interim, the Government of Guyana and the DHB management have been looking at ways to keep the structure afloat, for at least six more years.
This was disclosed to representatives of the business community in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) on Wednesday by Transport Minister Robeson Benn.
He told them that there are several options being examined with respect to the traffic which transits the overpass daily, noting the issue of weight and heavy-duty trucks which traverse it.
Mr. Benn told the audience, of men and women, that presently, the DHB facilitates the crossing of 7,000 vehicles daily, as compared to the 3,000 for which it was originally designed.
REMAINS PASSABLE
The minister explained that the Government could maintain the bridge for another six years and that is the plan even as millions of dollars are being spent to ensure that it remains passable.
On the issue of trucks traffic, he pointed out that, at the speed those cross the bridge and the loads they carry at a given time, they are contributing to 90 percent of the damage caused to it and the repairs, which are often done, are triggered because of such use.
Benn said it is impossible to stop trucks using the bridge and another solution is being looked at.
The Transport Minister said the intention and idea of barging trucks across the Demerara River is being examined to put them on barges and pontoons from either side, so as to ease congestion and reduce the instances of damage caused by them, at least over the next six years.
Talking specifically about the lorries originating from the East Bank of Demerara with sand, stone and other materials, Benn said the possibility of rehabilitating the stellings at Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown for the use of small vehicles is also being examined.
He said the authorities are looking also to put ferries at the two terminals which would result in less traffic, all together, on the DHB.
REPORT CAME
With respect to the feasibility study on a new DHB, Benn said it was only one week ago that the report came to his desk and it needs to be studied.
He said the free survey basically provided the areas that need to be addressed and looked at when the real one is going to be conducted.
The document now on his desk is merely a guide to ensure that all the necessary aspects of the construction of a new bridge are captured. One of the areas has to do with making sure placement of the new structure is in keeping with the ongoing development and extension of the highways and road networks between Regions 3 and 4,Benn said.
He said there are three proposed locations for the new bridge, but doing the study was definitely important, given the price tag which is between US$250M and US$350M.
It is the intention to gets things right the first time, as although time is the essence, there is also the concept of not wanting to rush, Benn stated.
He said a new bridge is not going to come on stream before three years and, based on calculations, the Government sees that somewhere about six years from now.
