THE Ministry of Public Works has announced the closure of the Strathspey Bridges along the Railway Embankment following a structural failure on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The collapse occurred after an overloaded truck traversed an already compromised section, prompting immediate action by the Project Team for the Railway Embankment Road Improvement and Widening Project.
In consultation with Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and the Guyana Police Force, the affected bridges were officially closed on Friday, March 28, 2025, to ensure public safety. Plans were already in place under the ongoing infrastructure project to replace the existing structures with modern reinforced concrete bridges, with an estimated construction timeline of 70 to 90 days.
However, since the closure, the Ministry has received numerous complaints from the public regarding severe traffic congestion and major commuting inconveniences along the East Coast corridor. Acknowledging the impact on residents, businesses, and motorists, the Ministry has opted for emergency intervention measures to restore access as quickly as possible.
To address the disruption, the contractor, H. Nauth & Sons, has been tasked with installing precast concrete slabs to serve as a temporary bridge deck. These emergency works are being fast-tracked, with the bridge expected to reopen within the next 48 hours. Additionally, recognising the increased strain on alternative routes, the Ministry will conduct urgent repairs to the Bladen Hall School Road and Coldingen Road to ease traffic flow.
The Ministry of Public Works urges all motorists and commuters to remain patient and exercise caution when using the detour routes. Further updates will be provided as emergency repairs progress.
For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Ministry of Public Works or follow official updates via its communication channels. The Ministry appreciates the public’s patience and co-operation as it works to resolve this issue in the shortest possible timeframe.