Number of accidents double on Demerara Harbour Bridge because of speeding

Speeding along the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) remains a major concern to the Corporation which recorded a 50 per cent increase in accidents for 2021.

According to a report from the DHB, these include “speeding vehicles with or without load.”

“Despite the installation of signs and several engagements with truckers and other drivers, speeding on the Bridge continues,” the report stated.

Last year saw several accidents, both minor and serious, which contributed to major traffic jams on both the east and west banks of the Demerara River.  Many concerns have been also expressed about the attitude of truck drivers who traverse daily.

And this does not bode well for the already aged structure.

General Manager of the Harbour Bridge Wayne Watson had bemoaned the damage done to the structure by the more than 1,500 trucks that cross daily.

“The rate at which the trucks are traversing the bridge, it is not something that you will want to be on the Bridge to witness,” Watson had told the News Room.

And the damage is seen at the critical points of the Harbour Bridge now undergoing $1.2 billion in repairs to extend the shelf life until a new high span, four-lane steel structure is built.

Already, major rehabilitation works to retractor spans 9’ and 10’ are 61 per cent complete and are slated to be finished by April this year. And assurances have been given that the old structure will be repurposed for parts for other projects when the new structure comes in place.

The DHB Management reminded in the report that closures “are inevitable” to facilitate the repairs and asked the public to “exhibit patience and support.”