Latest update March 27th, 2026 12:40 AM
Minister Edghill urges responsible behaviour to avoid congestion at New Bridge
(Kaieteur News) – Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Monday made a call to drivers approaching the new Bharrat Jagdeo (BJ) Demerara River Bridge, to exercise the five Cs – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy, to ensure the proper use of the roundabout and avoid traffic congestion.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill alongside members of the Guyana Police Force engaging the media on Monday.
The minister’s appeal came hours after a traffic build up on Monday morning on the western end (Region Three) of the new bridge.
Addressing the issue during a press briefing, the minister was joined by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to discuss the traffic management relating to the new bridge.
“I think this morning (Monday), we had a little panic issue,” he said, noting that the issue was rectified.
“The first thing that I would want to say to everybody, the bridge will not be closed for two lanes traffic, like what used to happen at the old bridge. The bridge will see a continual flow of traffic uninterrupted. There will be no stoppage of traffic in the morning or in the afternoon. We have moved from a two-lane bridge to a four-lane bridge. We used to close off the bridge for double traffic to clear the volume and the congestion in the mornings and the afternoons. There are no priority lanes, and the bridge will not be closed for one side to park and the other side to go,” he explained.
The minister noted that the days for stoppages are over.
On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali commissioned the new US$262 million four-lane Demerara River Bridge, which now replaces the old serving two-lane Harbour Bridge.
When using and approaching the new bridge, the minister said persons need to practice the five Cs and everybody will get where they are going.
He said persons need to exercise patience, caution, consideration and responsible behaviour when using all roundabouts.
“So, everybody just needs to follow the roundabout. Do your thing, get into your two lanes, get on the bridge, discharge and use the roundabout in a safe way,” he pleaded.
According to the minister, the approach road to bridge from the Region Three end is still under construction and will be completed within two weeks’ time.
“The approach road to the old Demerara River Bridge and northern carriageway will be improved to connect to the new bridge. As a result, over the next several days, the Chinese contractor will be working day and night to complete that lane,” he said.
“So, I want to put everybody’s fears to rest. The culture of getting to the Harbor Bridge before the double lane traffic start, where you had to speed down the East Bank highway, it’s over. The culture that we had for the people of the West Side coming to Georgetown for work or for business. You have to get there before the double lane starts at six o’clock, it’s over. Just use the road in keeping with the rules, the speed limits and the roundabouts,” he stated.
He related that there may be some amount of slow movement, including peak hours on the roundabouts, but everybody will keep moving.
Minister Edghill pointed out also that the police will not be blocking traffic anymore at the roundabouts, “but if you misuse the roundabout, the police will be here to prosecute and to ensure that we have responsible usage.”
Speaking also was traffic chief, Senior Superintendent, Mahendra Singh who further informed the media that traffic ranks would be positioned to deal directly with offence commission, that persons follow the law and ensure the right usage of the roundabout.
“Drivers are expected to understand that there is an international standardised signage that is on the roadway that has since yield not to come to a complete stop, but that your recognised speed must be broken to an acceptable level that would allow for continuous movement from either direction into the roundabout,” the traffic chief mentioned.
He also stated that the motorist population is to understand that “For every action of yours that is not contextualise to be lawful and the points will be proven, you can and will be charged or ticketed and be placed before the court of law.”
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