Free to cross Demerara, Berbice, Wismar bridges from August 1 – Pres Ali

In keeping with the Government’s plans to eliminate bridge tolls, President Irfaan Ali has announced that effective from August 1, 2025, it will be toll-free to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice Bridge and the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden.
The Head of State was at the time speaking at the annual observance to celebrate the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six on Sunday.
“Last year we said that we are going to make the crossing at the Wismar, Demerara and Berbice bridges free of cost. We’re going to remove the toll. I want to say to you today, as we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Dr Jagan, that with effect from August 1, the crossing at Demerara, Berbice and Wismar is free of cost,” the Head of State declared to loud applause.
In August last year, the President had first announced the Government’s plans to make the bridges toll-free in order to lessen the burden on citizens. However, at the time, the intention was to make the bridges toll-free until the new Demerara River Bridge was completed.
In explaining the move, the President had said last year that the Government is looking to ease the burden on citizens while also enhancing the transportation network and improving competitiveness through the efficient movement of goods and services across the country.
The current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo. However, the bridge has long outlived its lifespan and is slated to be replaced by a new bridge.
The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge, being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre (km), four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River. The width of the driving surface will be about 23.6 metres, with a bicycle lane included. The 50-metre fixed-high span will cater to the free, uninterrupted flow of vessels. The administration plans to have it completed this year.
The Berbice River Bridge, a critical link between Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was constructed between 2006 and 2008 through a public-private partnership at a cost of approximately $8.2 billion.

Quality of life
President Ali also used the opportunity to detail to Region Six residents how their lives have improved in a sustainable way since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returned to office.
According to the President, these improvements are tangible and run the gamut from more disposable income being put in their pockets, to improved access to health and education.
In one example, he revealed the contrasting investments in education made by the PPP/C Government in Region Six, versus that made by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.
“Between 2015 and 2019, less than 20 per cent text-book-availability was in the education system. Today, we have almost 90 per cent text-book-availability in the school system. These are things you don’t see in a structure, but you see it in the results of our children,” the President reminded.