THE Thomas Lands rehabilitation and expansion project in Georgetown is progressing rapidly, with phase one nearing completion. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, announced, on Tuesday, during a visit to the site, that traffic from Albert Street to Camp Street will be reopened soon to minimise disruption during the ongoing works.

Minister Edghill revealed that an award has been granted to commence phase two of the project, which will extend from Vlissingen Road to Albert Street. While acknowledging the presence of critical facilities along the corridor, including the National Park, GTT, a school for the differently-abled, the Guyana Defence Force, and the National Park Commission, Edghill emphasised the need for temporary traffic restrictions during construction.

“We will have to suffer a little inconvenience to ensure that the project is completed for the benefit of all,” Edghill stated. He assured that alternative access points and traffic management strategies will be implemented to maintain a steady flow of vehicles.
The second phase will adopt the same design as the first, including widened lanes and a pedestrian walkway on the northern side of the road. This 1.5-metre expansion on both sides of the roadway will ensure safer passage for both vehicles and pedestrians, particularly for students in the area.

Additionally, advanced construction techniques are being used to stabilise the ageing infrastructure. Mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) retaining walls, made with geogrid and geofabric materials reinforced with concrete, are being installed to prevent slippage and bolster the road’s durability. Minister Edghill highlighted that while this technology is new to Guyana, it has been successfully utilised in developed countries for decades.

REDUCING CONGESTION AND ENHANCING INFRASTRUCTURE
With a price tag of $397.6 million, the project is a key element in alleviating Georgetown’s chronic traffic congestion. Currently, lorries and other heavy-duty vehicles are rerouted to Carifesta Avenue to ease pressure during peak hours. Minister Edghill underscored the importance of expediting the Thomas Lands rehabilitation to accommodate all types of vehicles and improve overall traffic flow.

Minister Edghill reassured citizens that the government remains committed to minimising inconvenience during the construction process. “Our aim is to improve the livelihoods of Guyanese without causing significant disruptions,” he said. Community engagement efforts are ongoing to keep residents informed about the project and to foster collaboration between contractors and local leaders.

The Thomas Lands corridor, which will become a primary route from Camp Street to Vlissingen Road, is poised to transform urban commuting in Georgetown. The improvements are expected to enhance safety, accessibility, and the city’s overall infrastructure, positioning Guyana to better handle its growing urban and economic demands.