US$604M Berbice highway advancing as works set to accelerate

A major US$604 million road expansion project along Guyana’s eastern corridor is advancing, with officials signalling that works will soon accelerate as the country moves to modernise what has become one of its busiest roadways.

The project will upgrade and widen approximately 80 kilometres of roadway from Palmyra to Moleson Creek in Berbice, converting the existing two-lane road into a modern four-lane highway. It is one of the largest infrastructure developments currently underway in Guyana and forms a key part of the government’s wider transformation agenda.

The scope of works includes the installation of new drainage systems to mitigate flooding, the construction of pedestrian sidewalks and road shoulders, and the addition of road safety features such as signs and markings. Bridges and culverts along the corridor will also be upgraded to improve structural capacity and long-term resilience.

Two major bypasses – approximately six kilometres around Rose Hall and 11 kilometres around Corriverton – are also being constructed to ease congestion and improve the flow of traffic through key commercial areas.

Indian contractor Vishwa Samudra has secured two of the project’s three lots, valued at about US$412 million. The works are being executed under a design, construction and financing model, with supervision by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) in association with CB & Associates. Financing is being arranged through the International Finance Corporation, with the Government of Guyana to repay the cost over time.
Construction began in October 2025 and is expected to last three years.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was awarded the other portion of the project.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill said the project represents a major leap in infrastructure development.

On Tuesday, he held three meetings with Berbice residents on the project, assuring them that strict quality standards will be enforced against the contractors.

“We expect and will not accept anything less than the highest quality of work and international standards… We must get value for money,” he said.

He described the development as part of a broader push to modernise the country’s infrastructure network, noting that billions are also being invested in community roads across Berbice.

“This corridor and what we are seeking to do is of a greater magnitude… Berbice is having her fair share of development,” Edghill added.

Region Six Chairman Junior Basant underscored the importance of the project, pointing to persistent congestion and the need for expanded road capacity.

“Not only during peak hours, but throughout the day, regardless of what time you’re on the road, there is always traffic buildup. Traffic is always moving at a slow pace; there is never a free flow throughout the region.”

Region Six Parliamentarian Zamal Hussain said the project is aimed at preparing the region for future growth.

“We try to make provision for the future,” he said.

The project will utilise Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology with StabilRoad additives, designed to improve durability and address the high-moisture soil conditions along the corridor.

While construction is ongoing, the authorities say efforts are being made to ensure access to homes, schools and businesses is maintained, even as temporary adjustments may be required in some areas.