THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has received fresh Expressions of Interest from local and foreign consultants with regard to the feasibility study and design for a new bridge across the Demerara River.Several European, Chinese and CARICOM region consultants were among the 23 bidders who submitted tenders this week at the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) at its headquarters, Urquhart Street, Georgetown.
This study, not exceeding 36 weeks, will seek to enhance the old pre-feasibility proposals, which lacked several components and was described by the current administration as having incomplete documentation.
The present Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) structure crosses the Demerara River four miles (6.4 km) south of Georgetown from Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD) to Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
It is a vital link between the EBD and Georgetown, especially in light of the many housing developments.
The new project framework, as set out by the ministry in its request for Expressions of Interest will examine the three possible sites for the new bridge, namely Houston, EBD to Versailles WBD or New Hope EBD to Laurentia Catherina, WBD or a site close to the existing bridge structure.
In keeping with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s mandate, any proposed bridge design will include a navigational clearance of 100 meters wide with navigational aids, an air draft of 50 meters of vertical clearance, adequate marine collision protection at navigating channels, and an estimated length of 2,250 meters.
The new study is expected to include an economic analysis detailing external costs and benefits, a financial analysis that addresses the concerns of how the project will be financed and a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
The existing two-lane floating bridge was constructed in 1978 by the UK firm Thomas Storey Engineers Limited. It had an initial life of 20 years. From 1995 to 1998 the bridge underwent major rehabilitation by the Damien Ship Yards of the Netherlands at a cost of US$9 million and was given an extended life of 15 years, from 1995.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) is responsible for the management and collection of tolls. The average annual revenue collection is approximately US$1.9 million. At present the corporation carries out intensive annual maintenance and element replacement activities on the bridge structure.