In order to reduce costs and improve efficiency in terms of traffic management, a motorised barge and a self-loader lorry has been purchased for the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation to the tune of over $110 million.
This multi-functional automated barge, which was refurbished from an old barge, is powered by two-300 horse power mercury engine and will be used to transport equipment and tools during emergency repairs and/or scheduled maintenance works on the bridge. This would see the minimizing of inconveniences to the travelling public as the teams would no longer have to block traffic or close off the bridge entirely when executing works but would access via the Demerara River using the power barge.
The $73M power barge acquired for the Demerara Harbour Bridge
Additionally, the barge also comes with a lifeboat – both procured at about $73 million – but only the barge has been delivered. It was built by Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. during a six months period.
While the power barge was acquired to primarily conduct maintenance and house equipment, General Manager of the DHBC, Wayne Watson, explained too that it would also serve as a means of transport in emergency cases.
“It was suggested that in the future if there is any need when we have the closure [of the bridge to do works, for example,] for replacing Span 9, this can also be used for taking commuters from east to the west side [and vice versa across the Demerara River]. So. It’s a multifunctional piece of equipment,”
He added too that the barge also contains tanks to transport fresh water that can be used for a number of things including cleaning the bridge.
Currently, there is only one seasoned operator for the power barge but Watson noted efforts are underway to train at least six other operators.
The power barge, which was designed in-house by the DHBC technical team, is expected to be operational on a 24-hour basis.
Meanwhile, Pubic Works Minister Juan Edghill said this investment will bring about cost saving and greater efficiency.
In fact, he pointed out that when the bridge was damaged during the October 2022 incident, the rental of barges to effect repairs racked up expenses in excess of $12 million for just a few days of use.
“When we make these kinds of investments… it improves the fact that we can work on a platform on the water and we don’t have to congest the carriageway… so that the traffic can flow, and it has serious cost-savings implications,” Edghill stated.
The Public Works Minister also expressed similar sentiments on the procurement of the self-loader lorry for the bridge company, which he says will enhance their capability to get things done at a faster rate and respond to incidents in a more timely manner.
The vehicle, which cost over $40 million, is expected to aid in the quick removal of vehicles from on the bridge in the event of an accident or mechanical failure. It will also be used during maintenance works to remove beams and other heavy equipment.
“When you check the figures of what we have been paying for rentals during the hours of maintenance to be able to lift heavy items, the cost has been skyrocketing. With the age of the this bridge and the need for constant maintenance, the cost of rentals became a matter of concern. Now, we have our own equipment… that can pull a 15-tonne vehicle onto the tray,” Minister Edghill stated.
The self-loader has a wrench and a retractable tray along with a crane. According to DHBC General Manager, this vehicle was specially designed for the bridge company and is greatly needed.
Nevertheless, Minister Edghill went onto say that “Mr Watson… would have engaged me at different times on a number of initiatives: maintenance, traffic flow, orderliness of traffic, dealing with rush hour, managing to do maintenance while the bridge remains open. It would seem that himself and his team have a very good grasp of what needs to be done and they’re able to do it very efficiently.” (G8)
