Mobilisation works on the highly-anticipated new Demerara River crossing is moving apace and is reported to be more than 50 percent completed with the contractors expressing optimism that the December 31, 2024, deadline will be met.
This is according to the project consultant who briefed President Irfaan Ali at the project site on Thursday. According to the consultant, while equipment and some materials are already on site, all components of the project are expected to arrive by the end of August.
“Materials have already arrived, 1,900 piles already on the port will be leaving in 2-3 days. Once it reaches on-site, execution will start by the end of this month,” the consultant told President Ali.
“Execute the pile and then build the trestle and then finally…then we will build the beam,” he added.
Permanent works are scheduled to commence in September/October of this year. The new crossing will be at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara in a cleared area where the bridge will land from La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara; it will facilitate greater traffic capacity and dramatically improve commuter convenience.
“Once we start the approach…we will start permanent work as well. In September, October we will be in the position to start the permanent work,” the consultant said.
He noted that thus far, the project is on schedule to be completed by December 31, 2024.
“We are working 24 hours…we are putting 100 percent effort,” the project consultant assured President Ali.
IIn May 2022, the government signed a contract to construct a new crossing over the Demerara River to the tune of US$260 million with a Chinese joint venture – China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.
Pointing out the role the new crossing will play in alleviating traffic issues, President Ali reminded the contractor of the importance of completing the project on time.
“We don’t want there to be any hindrance in getting this project completed…on time and within budget,” President Ali said.
The hybrid-designed bridge will feature a modern four-lane structure, cycle lane, with a 2.65 kilometers length, driving surface of about 23.6 meters and will have a lifespan of some 100 years.
