FIRST PHASE OF NEW MACKENZIE/ WISMAR BRIDGE TO COMMENCE IN JUNE

By Abiola Archer

Preparatory works and operations necessary for the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies, and incidentals for the construction of the new four-lane Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge commenced since April 8th, 2024. Consultation with residents and stakeholders has also begun. The first phase of actual work on the bridge is expected to commence by June 15th, 2024, according to company officials.

The proposed bypass road leading to the new bridge is the current parking lot between the vicinity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Linden Branch and Linden Electricity Incorporated (LEI). As a result of construction to the new road leading to the new bridge, the everyday transporting route will be diverted to the Noitgedacht and Fairs Rust communities. The ambulance and fire truck however will be given the opportunity to use the closer route to the old bridge, in the event of emergencies. A new parking area for GRA and LEI will be created, along with the relocation of power lines, telecom lines and water pipes. Town Clerk Lennox Gasper of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC), said that he believes the diverted road should be asphalted with the installation of streetlights since those roads are not conducive for such vehicular traffic for a project that will last for two years. “We welcome the initiative, it is one of development which will ease the daily traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the Council is hopeful that we will continue to receive the revenues from National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) since it is the LM&TC’s main source of revenue generated”.

US$35 Million is the cost to construct the new four lane Mackenzie Wismar Bridge which will be done by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. The sum of $4.2 Billion was allotted in the 2024 budget to commence construction.

This new bridge will be a four-lane precast bridge, 220 metres long. The bridge must be completed within two years and would carry all the road safety signs and lighting. It will have a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 metres and a vertical clearance of 11.5 metres.