Linden bridge a source of concern

Jan 16, 2016 News

THE residents of Linden, especially motorists, are calling on the relevant authorities to build a double-lane bridge across the Demerara River. The single-lane bridge, which connects Mackenzie to Wismar, is in a deplorable state. It is currently operating under a manual traffic system.
With the influx of motor vehicles in Linden, the bridge experiences a heavy flow of traffic, especially during the peak periods. This would result in a build-up of vehicles, even though the bridge spans less than a quarter of a mile.
In addition, the bridge is closed once a week for maintenance. The residents are now contending that given the life span of the bridge, it would be better to invest in a new bridge, rather than constantly keep repairing the one-lane bridge that can no longer sustain the number of vehicles crossing daily.
Drivers are irritated over the long wait for vehicles to cross from one side of the river to the other. The traffic rotators are deemed incapable by the drivers to efficiently allot equal timings to vehicles on both sides of the bridge. One driver said that it is far worse during the morning and afternoon peak periods, when people are returning home from work and school.
One driver lamented “This is real stupidness; this is nonsense. Imagine we got to wait so long to cross a short, short bridge and these men don’t know to control this traffic. Dem ova hey in communicating wid dem ova deh so is stupidness dey doing.”
Another driver complained “If they put back a traffic light here this nonsense will stop. We need a traffic light back here.”
Much to the surprise of the drivers, even though this unfavourable situation exists, the management of the bridge decided to raise the toll at the beginning of September.
This was met with a negative response from the public, especially the buses and car drivers who provide public transportation. The toll was raised from $40 to $60 for cars and from $60 to $80 for minibuses. In addition the cars and minibuses have to pay $200 in the park.
In light of this, the traffic department of E’ Division is calling upon the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to erect a traffic light at the bridge to facilitate easier flow of traffic and decrease the confusion that happens due to the manual system.
During Road Safety Month, Shawn Massay, Traffic Sargeant of E Division said that a traffic light would be welcomed by the Division if it is being installed at the bridge.
Regional Vice-Chairman, Elroy Adolf, revealed that plans for constructing a double-lane bridge is in the region’s Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). This plan, which serves as a guide for the region’s budget, will see commencement of infrastructural development during this year.

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