Physical works on the new US$35 million Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, have reached 97 per cent completion, bringing the long-anticipated crossing closer to commissioning.
The update was provided to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during a targeted assessment visit to the project site last Friday.
During the visit, the minister convened a multi-stakeholder meeting with technical staff from the Ministry of Public Works, contractors China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd. and GuyCo Construction Inc., along with the project’s consultancy firm, Politecnica.
Minister Edghill and representatives from the various entities also conducted an on-site walkthrough of the 233-metre-long concrete bridge where works are nearing completion. According to the ministry, concrete placement for the structure is now at 97 per cent.
The team also inspected the secondary road connections leading to and from the bridge.
A project debrief revealed that works on the western end of the project, on the Wismar side, are advancing steadily. Construction of the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads is currently 33 per cent complete. Subgrade preparation, subbase, crusher run base and curbing for these roads have already been fully completed.
Foundation works for the roundabout on that end are also finished, while curbing for the roundabout is at 50 per cent completion. Works along the Burnham Drive approach are also progressing, with subsurface works at 38 per cent and curbing at 39 per cent, while culvert installation continues.
On the eastern side of the project, works are 27 per cent complete. These include foundation and retaining structures designed to support the main approach to the bridge.
During the visit, officials were informed that 3,750 prefabricated vertical drains have already been installed and geotextile material laid as part of the ground preparation process. Contractors are currently placing white sand and crushed stone as part of the subsurface works to stabilise the area.
Additionally, a new culvert has been installed at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht. Construction of the retaining wall for the main embankment is also progressing, with excavation and geotextile installation already completed and backfilling underway to prepare for final surfacing.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, the project remains on schedule to become fully operational by June 2026, once the connector roads are completed.
When finished, the new toll-free crossing will feature two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways, modern lighting infrastructure and roundabouts on both the eastern and western approaches.
The ministry noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure expansion programme aimed at improving connectivity and mobility across Region Ten and the wider country.
“The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the growing demands of Region Ten and the wider country,” the release stated, while thanking residents of Linden and commuters for their continued patience and cooperation during the execution of the works.
The large-scale infrastructure project will feature four lanes as compared to the previous two-lane bridge that existed. This small but deliberate change will cut travel time in half and reduce traffic congestion.
It will also generate substantial annual savings for commuters and businesses, as this bridge, too, will be toll-free. It reflects a decision by the President Ali-led government aimed at making travel more affordable between regions.
The new 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge is also being built to accommodate a wider range of vehicle sizes and weights, as well as higher speeds and uninterrupted passage for vessels, facilitating safer and easier passage to commuters.
Upon completion, the bridge will feature a prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder design, comprising four vehicular lanes and two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways.
The modern bridge is expected to mirror the design of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. It is set to become an iconic landmark of the region, providing a sense of pride and identity to the residents.
