With first $10B approved, ‘significant improvement’ expected along Linden Highway

The Parliamentary Committee of Supply Wednesday night approved $10 billion for the rehabilitation of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway in 2024; this is part of a larger $30 billion improvement to take place over a period of 36 months.

Though information on the upgrading of the decades-old roadway is already in the public domain, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill used the opportunity to remind citizens that there will be significant improvements towards making the highway four lanes.

The highway was officially opened in 1969 as one phase of a highway connecting Georgetown with Lethem.

The Linden- Soesdyke Highway is a 73 kilometres-long roadway and Edghill said all 73 kilometres will be upgraded, leading all the way to the arch at Mackenzie in Linden and beginning at the Soesdyke Junction on the East Bank of Demerara.

“Two roundabouts will be constructed… one at Soesdyke and one at Millie’s Hideout, Mackenzie,” Edghill reminded Parliamentarians.

He also said persons can expect upgraded lighting and laybys for large trucks.

“It’s a very significant improvement to our transport infrastructure.

“We expect that as soon as we complete the evaluation and have no objections from the Islamic Development Bank, the civil works contracts will be signed and the mobilisation begins and work executed,” the Minister added.

It was revealed that four companies who are from China, India, and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) are vying to execute the works.

Repairs to the Linden- Soesdyke highway are being funded by a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The project will see the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the highway, with two lanes undivided. There will also be nine bridges, six culverts each with an improved design, quality and standard.

The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support and improved connectivity with communities.