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New US$262M bridge commissioned
The ribbon cutting of the US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
(Kaieteur News) – Thousands of Guyanese gathered on Sunday evening for the commissioning of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, which replaces the old floating Demerara Harbour Bridge. The new structure connects Regions Three and Four, easing the daily commute for thousands of Guyanese.
Scenes from the commissioning of the US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge
The US$262 million contract was awarded to China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and its partners, China Railway Caribbean Company Limited and China Railway Engineering Bureau Group Company Limited. Construction began on December 22, 2022, with over 1,300 workers.
In his feature address, President Irfaan Ali underscored that the financing of the bridge was the result of deliberate reinvestment of Guyana’s natural resources.
“Oil revenues wisely managed, are being converted into structures like this, projects that deliver benefits to every Guyanese. This bridge is proof that our resources are not squandered. They are reinvested into the future, the long, long future of the people of our country, and so my brothers and sisters, this bridge is your gift. It is a gift of a government that believes in the people…” President Ali stated.
He said the bridge will forever change the rhythm of the country, shortening distances, strengthening commerce, and improving the flow of goods and services from coast to coast. The president added that the infrastructure stands as a symbol of Guyana’s journey toward a modern era.
Ali reflected on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which served the nation faithfully for decades. He said, “It carried dreams, burdens and the daily journeys of thousands, but its time had long expired. Its steel plates grew weary. The bridge became a bottleneck, a source of frustration for commuters, business and families. Delays, breakdowns, traffic snarls and endless openings took their toll. A new Guyana needed a new bridge, not another floating bridge.”
He emphasised that what was needed was a modern structure that expands capacity, reduces congestion, lowers costs and fuels efficiency. President Ali added that the bridge’s benefits include easing commuters’ frustrations. “Every commuter will feel it. Every business will benefit from it. Every investor will take note of it. The congestion that crippled productivity will ease. The hidden taxes of wasted fuel, lost hours and frustrated tempers will go slowly away,” he said.
Ali stressed that the bridge would improve supply chain efficiency and enhance competitiveness. He further described the structure as a “launch pad for growth.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, whose ministry spearheaded the project, described the bridge as “an engineering masterpiece.” He said the commissioning represents not just another infrastructure opening, but a defining moment in Guyana’s modern history.
“Engineers, craftsmen and administrators join hands to give shape to this national dream,” Minister Edghill stated. He commended the Chinese consortium for delivering a project that commands admiration across the world.
The minister added, “Their engineering mastery and craftsmanship have produced a structure that is not only functional and durable, but a testament to beauty, precision and partnership.”
The minister outlined that the bridge is a modern, four-lane, high-span cable-stayed structure, designed to accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, meeting the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
He explained that the 50-meter fixed high-span eliminates the need for bridge openings for ocean-going vessels, ensuring uninterrupted maritime traffic. “Facilitating continuous vehicle flow and ensuring navigational clearance for vessels up to the handymax class, a transformation from the limitations of the old Demerara River Bridge,” he said.
President Irfaan Ali
Stretching 2,798 meters, the bridge features a 570-meter cable-stayed main span and is engineered for a century of service. “It features four vehicle lanes, each with a 1.5-meter shoulders and a total width of 25 meters, complemented by 2.7 wide cycle and walk railings, allowing for safe, multi-use passage across the Demerara River,” the minister said.
Beneath the surface lies a foundation of 658 piles driven deep into the riverbed. The main towers, each anchored by 76 piles measuring nearly eight feet in diameter, were driven 400 feet deep. The bridge deck is suspended by 136 high-tension cables, while the approach sections required 472 precast concrete girders.
“Every stage of construction adhered to international best practices. Design was executed in compliance with specifications. Materials were tested in accordance with the ASTM standard, and all procedures were monitored on the ISO certified benchmarks,” Minister Edghill emphasized.
He also commended the project management supervisory team led by Patrick Thompson of the Ministry of Public Works’ Central Transport Planning Unit. Thompson and several others received certificates for their roles in executing the project.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill
Meanwhile, Dongsheng Li, Managing Director of CRCC, in his address said, “This bridge was built by many hands and many hearts. It shows teamwork, dedication, and friendship, and work that has a huge positive impact on the daily lives of communities, families, and students.”
Also speaking at the event was Enea Sermasi, Head of International Business Development at Politecnica, the consultant for the project, noted, “As engineers, we are proud to have supervised such a marvel of modern engineering, and we do recognise that this bridge is more than that. It is a corridor of progress and opportunity. A landmark of national pride and a sign of confidence for generations to come.”
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- Bharrat Jagdeo, China Railway Construction Corporation, Demerara Harbour Bridge, President Irfaan Ali
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Everyone has gone GAGA over this bridge and rightly so.
The last bridge I crossed in Guyana, is the Canje Bridge, the new one.
Old Canje Bridge- the one “cranked” to open River traffic, close Road traffic-
was my favourite since I used to help the man cranking on my way home from
school as a kid from Sheet Anchor. Enjoyed the swinging portion of bridge.
I will now await the completion of the New Berbice River Bridge, Corentyne
River Bridge before visiting to make actual crossing of ALL NEW BRIDGES.
Drive safely all.habsham9@aol.com