AS the government continues to make remarkable strides towards enhancing Guyana’s infrastructure, the second main tower “pile cap” of the US$260 million Demerara River Bridge has been successfully completed.
This “breakthrough achievement” was announced by China Railway Construction Corporation in a post on ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday.
“Breakthrough Achievement: the second main tower ‘pile cap’ of the New Demerara River Bridge is completed!

“As Guyana’s largest transportation infrastructure [sic] project, the new bridge will significantly reduce travel time and increase vessel traffic once completed,” the Construction Corporation said in its post.
This project, the largest transportation infrastructural endeavour in Guyana, is poised to transform travel and vessel traffic in the region.
The ambitious project, valued at US$260 million, is being brought to life by a dedicated workforce of 650 individuals, including 120 Guyanese and 85 Venezuelan migrants.
These workers are tirelessly striving to complete the 2.8-kilometre-long bridge in record time.

The New Demerara River Bridge is designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a designated speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, significantly improving upon the current Demerara Harbour Bridge, which limits vehicles to 32 kilometres per hour.
Residents and motorists on the East Bank, West Bank, and West Coast of Demerara will benefit from uninterrupted connectivity, as the new bridge eliminates the need for retraction, unlike its predecessor.
The new structure, built six metres above the water, will allow all vessels to pass beneath without hindrance. This first-of-its-kind bridge in South America is expected to serve Guyanese for at least a century.
China Railway Construction (International) Limited is spearheading the construction, with oversight by the Italian company Politecnica.

The monitoring team, comprising approximately 22 local and international experts, ensures the project meets the highest standards.
The hybrid bridge featuring a cable-stay high span, will be 2.65 kilometres long with two carriageways and four lanes.
It will replace the existing bridge, which has exceeded its projected lifespan of 40 years.

Reflecting the Cacique Crown of Honour (C.C.H.), the second-highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana, the bridge’s design is a source of national pride.
Constructed to the standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the bridge will connect Region Three with the capital city.
The bridge’s main cable-stay section measures approximately 570 metres in length, while the approach spans 2.4 kilometres.

The main tower, standing at 110 metres with a clearance of six metres, will also feature lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
Upon completion, the New Demerara River Bridge promises to drastically reduce travel time and enhance accessibility between regions, marking a new era in Guyana’s infrastructural development.