Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
New Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge is 97% complete, to be operational by June
The new Wismar-McKenzie Bridge in Linden, Region 10 which is expected to be operational by June 2026.
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Public Works on Monday announced that the physical works on the New Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, Region 10, are now 97% complete and remains on track to be fully operational by June, later this year
According to a release from the ministry, Minister Juan Edghill was provided an update on Friday during a targeted assessment visit to the project site. The minister held a multi-stakeholder meeting which included technical staff from the ministry, contractors China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd. and GuyCo Construction Inc., and the consultancy firm, Politecnica.
During the visit, the minister and team conducted an onsite walkthrough of the 233-metre-long concrete bridge, where concrete placement is currently at 97%. The walkthrough also included an inspection of the secondary connections leading to and from the bridge, the ministry informed.
“A project debrief revealed that works on the Western End (Wismar side)—specifically the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads—are 33% complete. For these two main arteries, subgrade preparation, subbase, crusher run base, and curbing are 100% finished. The foundation works for the roundabout are also 100% complete, with curbing at 50%. Additionally, work on the Burnham Drive approach is advancing, with subsurface works at 38%, curbing at 39%, and culvert works currently underway,” the ministry explained.
Meanwhile, the eastern end of the bridge is 27% complete, accounting for foundation and retaining structures. At the time of the visit, 3,750 prefabricated vertical were installed and geotextiles laid, with the contractor currently placing white sand and crushed stone as part of the subsurface works, the ministry reported.
The ministry added that a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht has been successfully installed, and construction is underway for the retaining wall of the main embankment. Excavation and geotextile installation are complete, with backfilling ongoing to prepare for final surfacing.
“The project remains on track to be fully operational by June 2026, pending the completion of the connector roads,” the ministry disclosed.
When finished, the toll-free crossing will feature two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways, modern lighting, and two new roundabouts on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge.
This publication had reported that in January 2024, the government and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited signed a US$35 million contract for the construction of the new four-lane McKenzie/Wismar Bridge.
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