New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge to be ready in June – MoPW

Construction works on the Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), are nearing completion, with the Public Works Ministry saying that the structure will be open for public use by the end of June.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and a team of technical staff from the Ministry met with the contractor, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co-operated Limited, and the supervisory consultant on Wednesday to discuss the progress of the new bridge.

“The construction of the bridge will be completed by its deadline and will be made usable by the end of June when the connecting roads on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge will be completed,” the Ministry said in a post on its Facebook page.

The contract for the new US$35 million four-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge was signed in January 2024, with works commencing in April of that year and slated to last for two years.

Only last month, it was reported that the contractor was ahead of schedule, with works being some 92.3 per cent completed.

The large-scale infrastructure project will feature four lanes as compared to the previous two-lane bridge that existed.

The new 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge is also being built to accommodate a wider range of vehicle sizes and weights, as well as higher speeds and uninterrupted passage for vessels, facilitating safer and easier passage for commuters.

When completed, the New Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge will mirror the design of the newly commissioned Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, featuring a prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder structure. The bridge will accommodate four vehicular lanes and two pedestrian walkways while maintaining clear passage for hopper barges beneath it.

Once commissioned, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and travel time for residents, boost trade and mobility, and position Region 10 as a key hub for industrial and economic development.

Like the two other major bridges in Guyana – the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and the Berbice River Bridge – the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will benefit from toll-free travel as introduced by the Dr Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration last August.

In a Facebook post in December, President Ali said, “Construction of the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is moving ahead steadily, marking another major investment in Region Ten’s infrastructure. Once completed, the modern concrete and steel structure will replace the ageing bridge and improve traffic flow between Wismar and Mackenzie.”