Heavy rains delay works on Tiger Creek bridge; new deadline set for December 16

Weeks after the Tiger Creek bridge collapsed in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), Regional Engineer Wendell St. Pierre said the contractor has been hampered by torrential rains.

The Department on Public Information (DPI) reported that the engineer has submitted a written statement in which he noted that the Mahdia abutment (the points where the reconstructed bridge would meet) is complete.

“The second revetment is still to be done, followed by the main beams and decking,” Pierre said.

The bridge collapsed on November 3 while a truck was crossing.

The News Room on Thursday reported that residents are frustrated with the slothful pace of reconstruction as business persons are stranded on the northern side with their goods.

With a new deadline of December 16, 2020, for the reconstruction of the bridge, Pierre said the public has been properly advised on the alternative route available to them from the Kanawaruk Road into Eagle Mountain Road, then into Mahdia.

A machine would assist motorists along a bypass road that extends over a hill, near the reconstruction works, he explained.

Motorists have said this process is frustrating as they have to wait for long periods to be taken along the bypass road that is also in a derelict condition due to the rains.

As such, Mr. Pierre is imploring commuters to use the original alternative route to reach Mahdia.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is responsible for effecting the reconstruction works while the Ministry of Public Works provides technical assistance on the project.