Construction of US$35M Mackenzie/Wismar River Bridge now 83.5% complete – Public Works Ministry

– structure could be finished well ahead of April 2026 deadline

Construction on the US$35 million Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge is now 83.5% complete, according to a progress report released on Monday by the Public Works Ministry which indicates that the project could be finished well ahead of the April 2026 deadline.

Spanning 220 meters, the precast concrete bridge is designed to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce the long delays that have affected commuters for years.
Once completed, this modern structure will mirror the design of the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, serving as a transformative link for the region.
China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co. Ltd, the project’s contractor, is maintaining impressive momentum. The company has already fabricated 26 precast concrete girders—large structural beams that provide key support for the bridge and its approach structures.
Work on the temporary embankment and access pathway for transporting these girders has been completed, while assembly of the girder launcher has begun and is progressing roughly one week ahead of schedule.
At Pier 6 (P6), backfilling of the abutment has been finalized, and settlement monitoring is in progress. Shaping of the embankment and placement of rockfill along the riverside toe piles are partially complete.
Reinforcement and formwork installation for the P0 abutment wing and backwall are ongoing. Meanwhile, Piers P3, P4, and P5 are fully complete, with only minor surface corrections pending.
Construction of pile caps at P1 and P2 is underway but has experienced a three-week delay. However, this setback is not on the project’s critical path, and the existing schedule buffer is sufficient to prevent any impact on the overall completion date.
The pier and abutment numbering system (P0–P6) identifies each structural point along the bridge, starting from one end.
When finished, the bridge will feature a prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder design, accommodating four vehicular lanes and two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways. It will also facilitate the uninterrupted movement of hopper barges beneath it.
Crucially, the new bridge is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic activity in Region 10, establishing the area as a vital hub for international trade and development.