Gov’t exploring construction of two-lane bridge across Kurupukari River

As part of efforts to make travelling from Lethem to Georgetown much easier, the government may greenlight the construction of a two-lane bridge across the Kurupukari River.

This is according to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who provided an update on the Linden to Lethem roadway at his recent press conference.

“We’re also looking to see a proposal, maybe a two-lane bridge across the Kurupukari River because that will then complete the whole network.

“You will be able to drive from Lethem straight to Georgetown without having to go on a pontoon to cross the river,” Jagdeo said.

The journey from Georgetown, Guyana’s capital city and commercial hub on the coast, to Lethem, a town bordering Brazil in the south, is over 400 miles and includes travelling through the rainforest.

There is a roadway that connect Lethem to Kurupukari, and then Kurupukari to Georgetown. However, vehicles must travel on top a pontoon to get across the Kurupukari River when going either side, that is to Georgetown or to Lethem.

A new bridge, Jagdeo said, would allow heavier vehicles to travel across. More goods, he believes, can be transported too.

And once that bridge is in place, it would be a single drive from Lethem to Georgetown or vice versa.

Outside of this potential venture, Jagdeo said the 45 super- highway bridges being constructed along the roadway are progressing well. The first half of the road is also being paved.