“Corroded” sections of Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge prompt repairs

The Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is under repair after it was detected the sections were under massive corrosion.
Speaking with members of the media on Thursday, Head of the Linmine Secretariat, Emmet Alves, related that enhanced repair works are being carried out to the midsection of the bridge.

The works are a collaborative effort between the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Linmine Secretariat, and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).
Alves noted that this section of the bridge has been the most challenging over the years, resulting in it needing regular maintenance. Presently, two platforms on both sides of the bridge’s midsection aid in inspection and repairing of the bridge.
“Presently we’re doing repairs to the midsection of the bridge. This is the most troublesome area over the years. Between 2008 and 2010, major repairs were done. We realised a few weeks ago, whilst doing some preliminary work on the superstructure of the bridge – we realised that some of the sections below have corroded, and the metal was getting thin. So we decided to construct this platform which we have here. This would enable us to have access to the substructure of the bridge, so that we would be able to do a proper inspection and also conduct repairs as we proceed”, Alves related.

He added that the areas were pressure-washed on Wednesday, since there was a buildup of dirt on the structures. This, Alves noted, would aid in better inspection of the defective components. He explained that following inspections, it was observed that some of these components were severely damaged, and the agencies are moving to have them replaced.
“Also, we’re going to sand blast the remaining structure and put on a protective coating in-between so as to prevent further deterioration of the metal. So, we would be doing it section by section”, Alves noted.
The official further explained that scheduled maintenance of the bridge may continue, if required. This, he explained, is usually conducted following the findings from inspections.
The present works are expected to last a few weeks; or, depending on the findings…, Alves stated.
“Depending on what we find under there, that would determine the extent of the work that would have to be carried out”, Alves stated.
He noted that the working platforms were constructed in such a way so as not to disrupt the regular flow of traffic on the single-lane bridge. According to Alves, the bridge may be closed only if any major issue is uncovered.
“What we expect generally is that we would be able to work whilst traffic is there. We’re trying to minimise disruption of traffic”, Alves said.
In the meantime, he noted that the agencies are working to improve the midsection of the bridge, which has also been considered a troublesome area by motor vehicle operators. Local contracting company Paul Jones Construction was assigned to work along on the project.
In 2017, concerns were raised over the state of the bridge following deteriorating photo highlights by former Municipal Councillor Lennox Gasper.
As a result, the bridge was inspected by a team of engineers attached to the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, who deemed it “healthy for usage and structurally sound”.
Nevertheless, the team of engineers had pointed out several issues below the bridge that were caused by the lack of maintenance.
There are plans to construct a new bridge to link Mackenzie and Wismar. Just last month, four possible designs were unveiled during a virtual presentation by Politecnica Engineering and Architectural Company. (Utamu Belle)