Guyana’s first major roundabout 50% complete

–  some road closures necessary to complete project

The Carifesta Avenue/Vlissengen Road Roundabout Project is halfway done and the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) has advised that some temporary road closures will be necessary to complete the project. This will result in some inconvenience to motorists and road users and the Ministry is asking the public to exercise patience and to use alternative routes from Wednesday, August 23. “Weather permitting, the traffic disruption will last for just three weeks,” the Department of Public Information (DPI) advised.

An overhead shot of the Carifesta Avenue, Rupert Craig Highway and Vlissengen Road junction

It said traffic will be diverted through Alexander Street and MPI Maintenance Engineer, Sherod Parkinson is urging road users “to take precautions as they use Alexander Street, David Street and Barr Street to access lower Georgetown.”
Parkinson also explained that the contractors need to connect the newly installed pumps at the Kitty Pump Station where a major sinkhole had developed several months ago. This has since been filled in prior to the commencement of the roundabout project.
Parkinson also disclosed that the first and second phases of the project are completed. The third phase will see works on the Sandal Place section extending to the centre of the carriageway.
Once the third phase of the project is completed, the final phase of connecting all the roads – Carifesta Avenue, Seawall Road, Rupert Craig Highway and Vlissengen Road will begin. This $127.1 million road improvement project is due to be completed by year-end and will allow for a smoother and unhindered flow of traffic at the busy intersection.
The roundabout will reduce waiting and stoppage time for motorists heading to the East Coast of Demerara and those using Carifesta Avenue, Vlissengen Road and the Kitty Public Roads.