Strathspey bridge reopens

Apr 04, 2025 News

…significantly reducing ECD traffic congestion

Kaieteur News- A temporary bridge constructed along the Railway Embankment at Stathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursday morning opened to light vehicular traffic immediately easing traffic build-up along the ECD’s main access road.

The temporary Strathspey Bridge that was opened to traffic on Thursday.

The opening of the temporary bridge is aimed at reducing the severe traffic congestion that plagued the East Coast’s main access road for three days. The old bridge started sinking on March 27, 2025, forcing authorities to allow only light traffic.

However, the situation worsened when the bridge collapsed entirely, halting all traffic along the Coldingen and Strathspey carriageway. In response, the Ministry of Public Works issued an advisory, stating the bridge would be closed for 70-90 days for reconstruction.

As a result, vehicles were forced to divert to the East Coast’s main access road, which led to significant traffic jams. The congestion began on Monday evening, stretching as far back to Beterverwagting in the west. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the traffic backed up from Hope to Annadale and Lusignan in the west, causing major disruptions for commuters.

The contractor, H. Nauth & Sons, was given 48 hours from Tuesday to complete the temporary structure. This emergency initiative was launched in response to numerous complaints from road users on the East Coast.

However, the new bridge was constructed using precast concrete slabs and can only accommodate light traffic. Trucks are strictly prohibited from using the bridge.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, visited the bridge site on Thursday morning and spoke to reporters about the initial plans for the bridge, which had been adjusted due to public complaints.

“Tuesday and Wednesday was confusion on the East Coast for people to get to work, get to businesses. We decided, rather than going into full rehabilitation construction, to build a bridge that is in keeping with the design for the expansion of the Sheriff to Mahaica project, we will put in place a temporary structure, which was done over the last 48 hours,” Edghill explained.

He also praised the workers for their round-the-clock efforts to complete the bridge on time.

Strathspey bridge reopens

“No trucks should be crossing under the railway embankment. We can’t continue to have the trucks on the Railway Embankment,” Minister Edghill said.

At approximately 08:45h, Kaieteur News observed workers setting up caution signs along the bridge. One sign indicated a speed limit of 15 km/h, and additional signs prohibited trucks from crossing. Police were also stationed in the vicinity of the bridge to redirect truck drivers.

Further safety measures are planned, including the installation of railings on Thursday evening, to ensure the safe passage for vehicles.

Meanwhile, many drivers expressed satisfaction with the temporary bridge, stating that the initiative will help to significantly ease traffic congestion.

One driver, who regularly takes his granddaughter to school said, “The congestion will definitely ease today, this is very convenient.”

He added, “I used to only take the Railway Embankment to President’s College, but because of the massive congestion on the main access road, I had to adjust. Building this bridge is God’s work; the government is trying, man.”

A woman, visibly excited, shouted in agreement, “I’m glad the bridge fix! I glad bad, bad!” before driving off.

Another driver, a resident of Melanie Damishana, also expressed relief. “I feel happy that they opened back the road because I travel this road every day for business. When the bridge break down, I had to wake up early, but now we are back to our regular schedule. We happy, happy!”

(Strathspey bridge reopens)

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