US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge: Relocation efforts being finalised as construction continues

As the Public Works Ministry, works assiduously to construct the new US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge on time, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill reveled that the ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the relocation of two property owners to facilitate the project.
Edghill during an outreach in the mining town of Linden region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) in September highlighted that at least two persons would have to be relocated in order to facilitate the construction of the new US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge.
Providing an update on Monday, Edghill told this publication that the ministry is currently in the process of finalising the relocation of these persons. The minister explained that presently these persons are not affecting the construction process.
“Not yet but they are not in the way of the construction right now,” Edghill said.
Meanwhile, providing a progress update on the project was Project Manager at the Public Works Ministry, Patrick Thompson, who highlighted that the construction of the temporary bridge structure has been completed.

In this regard he noted that construction of the new bridge has begun with construction works on the eastern abutment of the bridge.
“That has commenced, they have commenced the construction of the abutment on the easter side of the bridge.”
The abutment is the structure that supports the bridge in both directions – horizontally and vertically. The bridge abutment also connects and transfers the bridge load to the ground.
Meanwhile, in January the Guyana Government had signed a contract to the tune of US$35 million for the construction of a new four-lane bridge at Wismar in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – a facility that will serve as a critical link in the road network that is being built out with the aim of making Guyana a transport and logistic hub in the Region. When completed, the pertinent piece of infrastructure will play a crucial role in strengthening trade between Guyana and Brazil by positioning the region as a key player in international commerce and economic growth.
The new Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge is being built by China Railway and Construction – the same company that is constructing the new US$260 million bridge across the Demerara River.
This four-lane bridge will be a pre-cast structure running 220 metres long and will include vital safety features such as lighting and signs. It will boast a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 metres and a vertical clearance of 11.5 metres.The new bridge will land some distance away from the original single-lane bridge built by the Demerara Bauxite Company from 1965 to 1967.
Following the contract signing in January works on the project commenced in August. During a outreach to the mining town, Public works minister Juan noted in an effort to fast track the completion of the bridge, the contractor would have agreed to have the bridge completed by 2025.