New Berbice Bridge to be modern structure like Demerara crossing

The new Berbice River Bridge will be a massive, modern structure quite similar to the new Demerara Harbour Crossing currently under construction, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The new bridge is expected to replace the floating structure built in 2008. The Government of Guyana has already issued a Request for Prequalification for contractors undertaking this venture.

And President Ali told the News Room that the new bridge will be built to cater to the explosive development unfolding in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).

“The Berbice River Bridge will be built similar to the new Demerara Bridge in terms of design capability, in terms of structure, and in terms of the intent of the bridge.

“The bridge will cater for the expansion that will take place at Palmyra, the gas project that will be built in Region Six, and also the development of an industrial park with the port facilities that will support these services,” Dr Ali explained.

The government, the President explained, is hoping that it could determine what interest exists. It is also hoped that feasible proposals will be submitted eventually to help the government decide on the exact model and specifications of the structure.

Already though, President Ali is adamant that the new Berbice Bridge must have a “futuristic design capacity and capability.”

A comprehensive review and plan is expected to be in place by yearend.

EXAMINING SUPPORT

Meanwhile, the President highlighted that the government is also looking at ways of supporting commuters alongside the investment in new infrastructure.

“… in the coming days, the cabinet will be discussing an approach in relation to improving competitiveness, cost of transportation, and also the efficiency of moving goods and services and people on both in both on both the Demerara River Bridge and the Berbice River Bridge,” Dr. Ali said.

Once workable solutions are found, the Guyanese Head of State promised competitive travel costs, increased efficiency and reliability in travel, and much support for commuters and consumers of goods and services.

The new Wismar Bridge in Region 10, like the Demerara Crossing and the forthcoming Berbice link, is also expected to support more people.