CONSTRUCTION is currently in the pile works phase for the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at significantly enhancing the capacity of Guyana’s road network between Georgetown, Linden, and the Mabura-Lethem corridor.

The US$35M 220-metre-long bridge, which connects Wismar and Mackenzie, on the west and east banks of Linden, respectively, is designed to be a four-lane paved highway.

The bridge is designed with a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 metres, and a vertical clearance of 11.5 metres. It will also feature two-metre-wide sidewalks on both sides.

Construction remains on schedule, with completion expected by April 2026.

The bridge will provide a crucial link between Georgetown and the interior highway to Lethem, with the ultimate goal of improving trade and transportation efficiency throughout the region.

Pile works began in April 2025, and are expected to continue for two more months.

Prior to this phase, preparation works were completed, including traffic control measures and utility rotation activities to facilitate the construction process.

Once pile works are completed, the next stages will include the installation of pile caps, followed by construction of the piers and bent caps. Placement of the girders is projected to occur between the third and final quarters of the year.
When completed, the bridge, alongside the much-anticipated Linden to Lethem highway, is expected to greatly facilitate cross-border trade, particularly between Brazil and Georgetown.

Officials note that the infrastructure will not only improve the movement of goods and people, but also strengthen economic ties and access to services across the regions.

The bridge stands as a strategic development in Guyana’s broader push to modernise its transportation network, and boost regional connectivity.

During the contract signing between the Government of Guyana and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Limited for the bridge project, President Dr. Irfaan Ali stated: “This bridge is linked to the 45 bridges we are constructing along the Linden to Lethem highway.

“[This network] will create immense opportunities to position Region 10 as the engineering and mechanical hub, as well as a centre for transport and logistics—not only for mining, but also for trade between Brazil and CARICOM [Caribbean Community].”

The CRCC is also constructing the US$260 million bridge across the Demerara River.

The existing bridge which connects Mackenzie and Wismar was constructed to facilitate the transportation of ore from mines located at Wismar and Christianburg to a processing plant in Mackenzie.

Construction began in 1965, and was completed in 1967.

Earlier this year, President Ali had announced that tolls for use of the bridge will be removed, effective August 2025.