THE residents of Linden, especially motorists, are calling on the relevant authorities to build a double-lane bridge across the Demerara River. The single-lane bridge, which connects Mackenzie to Wismar, is in a deplorable state and is currently operating under a manual traffic system.
With the influx of motor vehicles in Linden, the bridge experiences a heavy flow of traffic, especially during the peak periods of the day. This would result in an unfavourable build-up of vehicles, even though the bridge spans less than a quarter of a mile.
In addition to this, the bridge is closed several times during the week for repair work and the residents are arguing that given the life span of the bridge, it would be better to invest in a new bridge, rather than constantly repairing the one-lane bridge that can no longer sustain the amount of vehicles crossing daily.
Guyana Chronicle was at the bridge when drivers became irritated over the long wait for vehicles to cross from one side of the river to the other. The traffic rotators are deemed incapable by the drivers to efficiently allot equal timings to vehicles on both sides to cross. The vehicles on the Makenzie shore were forced to wait over five minutes before being given a chance to cross the bridge.
One driver revealed that it is far worst during the morning and afternoon peak periods, when persons are going and returning home from work and school.
“This is real nonsense, this is ridiculous to be waiting so long to cross a short bridge and these men really don’t know to control this traffic,” shouted one driver, as the others blew their horns as a display of impatience.
Much to the surprise of the drivers, even though this unfavourable situation exists, the management of the bridge decided to raise the toll at the beginning of September.
This was met with a negative response from the public, especially the buses and car drivers plying the bridge as public transportation. The toll was raised from $40 to $60 for cars and $60 to $80 for minibuses. In addition to this, the traffic department of E’ Division is calling upon the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to institute a traffic light at the bridge that will facilitate easier flow of traffic and decrease the confusion that happens due to the manual system.
Shawn Massay, Sergeant-in-Charge,had revealed to this newspaper during Road Safety Month that a traffic light being installed at the bridge would be welcomed by the Division.
Regional Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolf revealed that plans for constructing a double-lane bridge is in the region’s Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). This plan, which serves as a guide for the region’s budget, will see commencement of infrastructural development during 2016.