Construction of new Berbice Bridge to begin this year – Pres. Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday provided updates on a series of critical infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and economic expansion across Guyana.

Speaking at an Energy Insight’s Breakfast, the President said construction of the new Berbice River Bridge will commence this year. The new Berbice River Bridge will be a massive, modern structure quite similar to the new Demerara Crossing. The new bridge is expected to replace the floating structure built in 2008.

“This year will we not only complete the Demerara River Bridge and the new highways, but we will also start the new Berbice River Bridge, we will complete the Wismar Bridge and we will also commence the Kurupukari Bridge because these are critical infrastructure,” President Ali stated.

Construction of the US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge began on April 8, 2024. The mega project, executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, includes the construction of a four-lane 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge that includes essential safety features such as lighting and sidewalks.

The new Kurupukari Bridge should start soon too. Once completed, it will replace the pontoon crossing across the Kurupukari River along the Linden/Lethem Trail.

In terms of road expansion, several four-lane highways are underway or set to begin.

These include the Wales to Parika highway, the Del Conte to Goshen road, the Mahaica to Rosignol four-lane continuation, and the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek highway. President Ali also revealed that construction will soon begin on the deep water port in Berbice.