Barges being considered to transport vehicles after major accident on Harbour Bridge

The government is considering using barges to transport vehicles from Georgetown to West Bank Demerara after a major collision on the Demerara Harbour Bridge rendered it inoperable.

A fuel tanker – MV Tradewind Passion – collided with the bridge in the wee hours of Saturday.

“The possibility of using barges to ferry vehicles between Georgetown and the West Bank Demerara is currently being explored, and advice will be given on the ground. For persons who must travel this route, you are asked to utilise the water taxis,” the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

When contacted on Saturday, the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Wayne Watson told the News Room that is not possible at this time to say how long the bridge will be closed.

“I just can’t commit to any timeline, but we are working for the shortest time possible and we are going to be working until the bridge is up and running,” Watson said.

He related that a shift system is being implemented to work around the clock to get the bridge fixed.

Meanwhile, the ministry said a joint team of government and private sector officials, including ministers, are on the ground working to restore normalcy.

An assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage. As soon as this assessment is completed, the public will be updated.

The News Room understands that the technical team is still conducting damage assessments and repair works have already started.

In the meantime, commuters are being urged to use alternative routes.

“As for those needing to use the East Bank Highway beyond the Princess Hotel, you are urged to use the Mandela/ Eccles Road Links to avoid the current congestion at the DHB. Updates will be made as information comes to hand,” the ministry’s statement said.