Construction of delayed US$75.8M Good Success-to-Timehri Road to commence mid-October

– Phase 1& 2 of Aubrey Barker Road completed

Infrastructure works on US$75.8 million East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road improvement project, spanning from Good Success to Timehri is scheduled to commence in mid-October.
Works were slated to commence on August 1 but the Guyana Times understands that it was delayed because the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), did not complete the design for the project on time.
Nevertheless, CRBC has since submitted the design and it is being finalised by the Public Works Ministry and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The contractor has lost approximately seven weeks of work time, however, has committed to deliver by the stipulated deadline of 36-months.
The Ministry of Public Works has also indicated to this publication via written reply that a management plan will be developed before the first week of October to ensure the project is completed on time.
The EBD Road improvement project spans 24 kilometres of and the reconstruction and widening of over 58 bridges and culverts. The full design for the road was recently completed and citizens in the area can expect works to commence shortly.

The project is aimed at supporting climate-resilient infrastructure development and marks the first of its kind to be funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Guyana.
According to the Public Works Ministry, the project has been divided into three sections to ensure it remains on schedule with minimal disruption to commuters. Section A covers the stretch from Good Success, beginning at the Ganga Temple, to Supply, while Section B extends from Supply to the Soesdyke Junction. Section C continues from the Soesdyke Junction to the Timehri Junction, near the Timehri Police Station.
A notable feature of the project is the integration with the Soesdyke/Linden Highway through the construction of a roundabout, designed to facilitate smoother traffic transitions.
The roadway will be upgraded to a two-lane highway, complete with enhanced safety features such as sidewalks and cycle lanes to cater to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Additionally, thermoplastic road markings, LED street lighting, and traffic signs will be installed to enhance safety and navigation along the carriageway.
To manage the flow of traffic during the construction period, a comprehensive traffic management plan has been developed. Construction will begin in Section B, where there is sufficient space to accommodate ongoing work without severe traffic disruption.
During that time, at least one lane of traffic will remain open at all times, with efforts to maintain two lanes wherever possible. Construction activities will be confined to one side of the roadway at a time to further mitigate traffic issues.
Stakeholders and road users will remain informed through the RESOLV 75 app, which will provide real-time updates on the project activities.
Additionally, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will also be mobilised to maintain order and ensure a steady flow of traffic throughout the construction period.
When completed the road will alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate vital routes for efficient transportation.

Aubrey Barker road
Meanwhile, Phases 1 and 2 of the Aubrey Baker Road Expansion Project are completed with minor works remaining.
Phase 1 of Aubrey Barker Road spans 500 metres from the Mandela/Eccles Roundabout to 40m before High Palm Road while Phase 2 spans 493 metres from High Palm Road to 100 metres before Blue Mountain Road.
The contractor, Surrey Paving Aggregate Company Caribbean Limited, has committed to completing drainage works at Phase 1 in two weeks.
The Public Works Ministry stated that fittings were not readily available in Guyana and the contractor was also waiting for Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to relocate a main crossing in the area.
The Ministry is currently working on Phases 3 and 4 which span 650 metres each, and is currently in its procurement phase for another three phases from Well Road all the way to the Ogle/Eccles Four-Lane bypass road.
Construction on the $1.45 billion Aubrey Barker Road four-lane expansion project started in August 2022 and was expected to be completed and delivered since July 2023.
The works include the build out of drains to address the issue of flooding which severely affects the community when it rains.
While the road expansion project started at Aubrey Barker, plans are afoot to rehabilitate and widen the Main Access Road throughout South Ruimveldt.
This undertaking will cater for the buildup of traffic from Mandela Avenue that needs to access South Ruimveldt and Roxanne Burnham Gardens.