— Four-lane bridge to replace nearly 60-year-old crossing, ease traffic congestion and strengthen hinterland connectivity

COME Sunday, November 15, 2026, President Dr Irfaan Ali will officially commission the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, marking a major milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure and improve connectivity to the hinterland.
The commissioning ceremony is scheduled for 16:00 hrs at the bridge site, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Works on Saturday.

The Ministry confirmed that the bridge is substantially completed and has been formally handed over, paving the way for the long-awaited opening of the modern four-lane crossing.
The new structure will replace the existing single-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, which was commissioned in 1967 and has served as a critical transportation link between the two communities for nearly six decades.
However, the old bridge, which accommodates traffic in only one direction at a time, has long been a source of congestion and delays for residents, commuters and businesses.
According to the Ministry, the new crossing is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel times and facilitate the movement of people and goods between Linden and other parts of the country.
“The New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will end the long delays of the one-lane crossing and allow the free, safe and simultaneous flow of traffic between Mackenzie and Wismar,” the Ministry stated.
Constructed at a cost of US$35 million, the 224-metre bridge features a prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder superstructure spanning the Demerara River.
It accommodates four lanes of vehicular traffic, along with two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The structure also provides a maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue navigating the river.
Modern street lighting has been installed along the bridge to facilitate safer night-time travel.
Importantly, the Ministry confirmed that the bridge will be toll-free for all motorists and pedestrians, in keeping with the government’s commitment to the people of Linden.

Beyond the bridge itself, significant investments have been made in constructing new approach roads and supporting infrastructure to improve traffic circulation and strengthen connections to the national road network.
These include four-lane approach roads, medians, traffic islands, curbing and modern roundabouts on both the Mackenzie and Wismar sides.
On the western bank, the works incorporate the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads, along with the Burnham Drive approach.
On the eastern bank, the project includes an embankment constructed on improved foundations, retaining structures, drainage systems and a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht.
The new infrastructure will also connect with the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and Linden-Mabura Road, improving access to the country’s expanding hinterland transportation network.
The bridge was constructed by China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co. Ltd. (CRCCL), with supervision provided by Politecnica.
The eastern approach road was also undertaken by CRCCL, while GuyAmerica Construction Inc. executed the western approach road works. Both approach road components were supervised by Surveying and Project Management Inc. (SPMI).
The Ministry noted that the investment extends beyond improving daily transportation for Linden residents, positioning the town as a more efficient gateway to Guyana’s hinterland.
“It strengthens the vital corridor to the hinterland via the Linden-Mabura Road and the Linden-Lethem Road, supporting commerce, mining, agriculture, tourism and the daily lives of thousands of residents,” the statement noted.
The Ministry further described the bridge as “another milestone in the Government of Guyana’s programme of transformative infrastructure, delivered for the people of Guyana.”
The new crossing is expected to play an important role in facilitating commercial activity, particularly as investments in road infrastructure continue to improve connectivity between the coastland and hinterland regions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has extended its appreciation to the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers involved in bringing the project to completion.
Residents of Linden, Region Ten and the wider public are invited to attend the official commissioning ceremony on November 15 at 16:00 hrs.