A Bridge in Time

Sep 25, 2013 Editorial

The need for a new bridge across the Demerara River is not disputed by any Guyanese. The government, the Opposition, and those that have to cross from West Demerara and further west are unanimous on this issue. The only question is one of how urgent is the need. The latest word we have received from the management of the Bridge is that the replacement structure is at least six years away. We have to do better than this.
As several letters to the press from beleaguered commuters have indicated, the morning approach to the crossing now rivals that from New Jersey into Manhattan. Traffic is now routinely backed up for at least a mile. The loss of valuable time for workers heading into the East Bank and the city is incommensurable and the nation’s productivity is being severely shortchanged.
There have been dozens of huge, new and expanded housing schemes constructed across the river at Parfait Harmonie, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Cornelia Ida etc. in recent years. Many of the residents are employed in Georgetown, because the sugar industry that traditionally absorbed this labour force is in serious, if not terminal, decline. The situation is definitely going to worsen. To prevent a disaster there must be a two-pronged strategy initiated immediately: improve the arrangements for the crossing at the present bridge and secondly, fast track the construction of the new bridge.
At this time, it is also unanimously agreed that the structure must be a permanent one made of reinforced concrete along the lines of the bridges constructed by Suriname across two of their rivers. The second consideration is the location for the Bridge: there are evidently three options – at Patentia further south, at the present location at Schoonord and thirdly, further north at Versailles-Houston.
To construct the bridge at Patentia would be to compound the present logjam we have on the East Bank Highway. Even when its four lanes are finally completed, the new housing and industrial plans for the East Bank alone will ensure even greater congestion. The present location will still face the increased traffic to be disgorged in the rush hours in the roadway that cannot be broadened any further.
The Versailles-Houston location, then, appears most feasible from the standpoint of handling the traffic flow most efficiently. At the Houston end, the traffic will immediately be split into three directions – one north to west Georgetown (downtown), another south to the East Bank and the third skirting around south Georgetown into Mandela and Sheriff Street and the East Coast. The latter’s conduits into Georgetown at several points – Camp Street, Vlissengen Road – can be improved to prevent the present traffic bottleneck at Lombard Street.
There should be a quick decision on the location and a request for tender of the structure. We should consult with the Surinamese on the construction of their bridges so that the level of needed expertise can be gauged. Then there is the literal billion-dollar question: funding for the structure.
It is our firm conviction that the present state of development of West Demerara and Essequibo demand that we have to take the bull by the horns and construct this bridge. The feasibility study will most likely show that the present tolls cannot justify a permanent bridge that will cost at least US$100 million. But the present tolls are much too low to begin with – even for the present crossing. All in all, we suggest that we get the ball rolling on the new bridge with much more alacrity than is presently being displayed.
As far as improving the present traffic flow – there have been eminently sensible suggestions from the citizens who are facing the travails of crossing. The 5:30 a.m. crossing should be moved earlier so that it does not run into the morning rush hour. But the biggest improvement can come from the traffic police who must perform their task with greater professionalism.
With continued economic growth, our country is definitely on the move. Let us not stymie that move at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

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