Cacique Crown installation underway as New Demerara Bridge nears launch

Works are progressing on installing the striking Cacique Crown of Honour atop the twin towers of the new Demerara River Bridge, a symbolic gesture of national pride as the long-awaited infrastructure moves closer to its official opening.
During a site visit, observers noted that steel components are being assembled on the ground before being hoisted into place, forming a crown structure inspired by Guyana’s distinguished national honours system.

The crown – representing the second-highest national award in the Order of Service – is intended not only as an architectural feature but as a lasting emblem of the nation’s service and progress.
The new US$262 million Demerara River Bridge has passed key milestones in its construction. The structure has successfully undergone major load testing – placing multiple fully loaded trucks on the span to simulate heavy traffic conditions – to validate its strength and durability.
The bridge is poised to replace the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge, which has long struggled with congestion and periodic closures. Once operational, the new four-lane, cable-stayed high-span will offer toll-free, 24/7 access and is designed for a lifespan of 100 years.
Earlier in the build, the final concrete slab connecting the east and west sides was scheduled for placement in late August, as part of the structural completion plan.
The most recent test involved twenty fully loaded trucks being strategically positioned on the bridge to simulate heavy traffic conditions, while teams of experts monitored the structure’s performance under stress. Advanced sensors recorded stress, strain, deflection, stiffness, and tower displacement, as well as the load forces on the supporting cables.