WORKS on the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) have been completed ahead of schedule, allowing the flow of traffic, both vehicular and marine, to resume as normal.
This is according to General Manager of the DHB, Rolston Adams, during a press conference yesterday at Peter’s Hall on the East Bank of Demerara. The works on the country’s first floating bridge started last Sunday and were scheduled to be completed on Friday. But because of the dedication of the workers and excellent coordination of resources, both human and physical, the works only lasted three days.
The three days of work saw the men removing and replacing the eastern hydraulic ramp which is now functional. On Sunday, the workers also did the same for the southern half of the hydraulic ramp as well as the northern section. Adams explained that this was done after the men realised that they were ahead of schedule and that finishing the works in record time was very possible.
The bridge manager said that they were able to re-open the bridge to two lane traffic on Monday.
The last time the Harbour bridge had its ramps changed was sometime in 2008.
The only reason the public was made aware of the repairs that had to be done on the facility was because the type of works, and its magnitude would have disrupted the normal flow of traffic. Adams added that there are several other works that are carried out on the bridge unannounced, as these would not disrupt the traffic.
He explained that the DHB will be undertaking to remove and replace the western hydraulic ramp around May 13 or May 20. This however will depend largely on further discussion between marine operators and the DHB management, expected to take place sometime today.
Meanwhile, the DHB is expressing its pleasure with the motorists and users of the bridge for cooperating during the period the bridge was rendered impassable to facilitate the works on the landmark structure.
Rolston Adams, in response to questions from the media, stated that the Demerara Harbour Bridge will be installing 150 anchor blocks to complement the existing anchors, ensuring that the floating bridge remains steadfast. He however was quick to point out that the bridge was not in anyway shifting, or that the existing anchors are not serving their purpose.
In addition to the instillation of the anchors, the DHB will also be replacing two large pontoons at the retraction span. These works he added will be of no inconvenience to the travelling public, however, the same cannot be said for marine traffic. He explained that these works are expected to commence in three to four months time.
According to Adams, the bridge which is approximately 33 years old undergoes continuous rehabilitation works to ensure its viability and the safety of those using it.
Mr. Adams told the media that the recent works done on the bridge cost approximately $ 40M. He said that money was allocated to the DHB in the 2011 National Budget. He added that over the last four years, the bridge has received some $ 2B from central government.
The bridge manager admitted that the bridge has not been making the kind of revenue that could see it sustaining itself, hence the input from central government is necessary. He added that the Demerara Harbour Bridge has an annual estimated income of $ 400M, while the operational cost of the bridge, including maintenance and paying of staff, comes up to almost $900M.