—with plans for new Kurupukari Bridge, dismantling of old Demerara Harbour Bridge to support a new crossing from Timehri to Sand Hills
THE Government of Guyana has announced an extensive plan for road and bridge development in 2026, with the allocation of $196.1 billion to expand the country’s transportation network and improve connectivity.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighted these ambitious plans during the Budget 2026 presentation.
He emphasised that investing in transport infrastructure is crucial for boosting trade, connecting communities, providing access to markets, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Dr. Singh reviewed several key achievements from the past five years. The construction of the Heroes Highway and the Ogle to Eccles Highway has significantly improved travel between the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.
The completion of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and the Schoonord to Crane Highway has also enhanced access between regions. Additionally, the Linden to Lethem corridor has seen the construction of 85 kilometers of paved road and 45 concrete bridges.
Important hinterland roads, such as Kumaka to Kwebanna, Wauna to Settlement, and Karasabai to Paramakatoi, have been upgraded, improving connectivity for mining, forestry, and hinterland communities.
Looking ahead, the government plans to fully complete the Linden to Lethem corridor, which will include a new Kurupukari Bridge.
This bridge will connect southern Guyana to a future deep-water port in Berbice via a modern four-lane structure across the Berbice River.
In addition, the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will be dismantled and rebuilt to support a new crossing from Timehri to Sand Hills. Future connections to Leguan and Wakenaam Islands are also part of the plan.
In 2026, work will accelerate on several major projects across the country. The Railway Embankment four-lane highway, running from Sheriff Street to the Mahaica River, has been allocated $6.1 billion.
The next phase, extending from Mahaica to D’Edward, is expected to begin later this year. The extension of the Ogle to Eccles Highway to Providence and Diamond has a budget of $13 billion.
This will improve access to the Bharrat Jagdeo Bridge and ease traffic flow on the East Bank. The Heroes Highway will be extended from Buzz Bee Dam to Land of Canaan with a budget of $28.6 billion. Additionally, $13.1 billion will be used to upgrade the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Other notable projects include completing the Linden to Mabura Hill Road with $10.4 billion, starting work on the Mabura Hill to Kurupukari section with $7.6 billion, and advancing the Palmyra to Moleson Creek four-lane highway, which will receive $15.1 billion.
The links from Parika to Goshen and Sand Hills to Makouria will progress with a combined budget of $6.5 billion. Meanwhile, $12.2 billion has been set aside for building new bridges at Berbice and Kurupukari, finishing the Wismar Bridge, and ongoing collaboration with Suriname for the Corentyne River Bridge.
In addition to these major projects, $40.2 billion will go toward constructing and maintaining community roads and drains in 2026. This supports ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and living conditions in residential areas.
In the hinterland, $10 billion has been earmarked for road work in Achiwib, Central Rupununi, Kaburi, Karisparu, Rupertee, and Shea.
This builds on the $14.2 billion spent in 2025 for projects in Bamboo Creek, Hosororo, Kato, Monkey Mountain, and Murwa. With the rapid growth of the road network, the government is also focusing on road safety and the durability of infrastructure.
