Latest update March 26th, 2026 12:30 AM
New US$260M Demerara River Bridge to be commissioned today
(Kaieteur News) – The long-awaited new US$260M four-lane Demerara River Bridge which connects Regions Three and Four, will be commissioned today.
The New Demerara River Bridge
The historic ceremony which is set for 17:30hrs and will be held at the eastern end of the new bridge will include a feature address by President Irfaan Ali who will declare the bridge open.
During a media briefing about the ceremony on Friday, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill stated that the commissioning ceremony will include a symbolic 2.9km walk across the bridge which will be done on the southern carriageway and a return motorcade along the northern carriage. Persons are advised to wear comfortable footwear.
Anticipating that thousands will be in attendance, the minister related that the event will also include prayers, cultural presentation, fireworks display and the honking of horns of all ships in the harbour.
For persons desirous of viewing the commissioning from the Demerara River, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has indicated that arrangements are in place.
MARAD noted they will be coordinating and regulating all activities in the river. “All vessels shall be seaworthy, all vessel operators must be competent, life jackets MUST be worn by all individuals on water taxis and small open boats, MARAD is to be informed of the place of boarding and disembarkation, at 17:30 hours (5:30 pm) the tide will be ebbing (falling) therefore, vessels are required to be in position so as not to drift into the bridge, all vessels approaching the New Demerara River Bridge from either the southern or northern direction must remain outside the one-mile buffer zone. All vessels are to sound their whistle/horn immediately after the cutting of the ribbon to formally open the bridge, the intended route must be communicated to MARAD before the event, and no overloading of vessels.”
The Department added that compliance with this directive is mandatory and necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of marine traffic and ensure safety within the river.
Additionally, the Guyana Police Force has since advised attendees and road users to follow the traffic arrangements. The police indicated that general parking will be available at the tarmac of the National Stadium. There, buses owned by the Guyana Defence Force will shuttle attendees via Red Road to the venue.
The new four-lane bridge was built by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. The superstructure which will replace the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, is built to support the uninterrupted flow of vehicular and vessel traffic, which will significantly reduce travel time, improve connectivity between Regions Three and Four and strengthen the movement of goods and services across the country.
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