Good Success-to-Timehri Road Project: Contractor to commence load testing for bridges today

– advises of brief interruption to vehicular traffic

China Road and Bridge Corporation will today commence load testing for the existing bridges from Relief to Soesdyke on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD), the Public Works Ministry stated on Monday.

The contractor who was awarded the US$75.8 million East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road improvement project, spanning from Good Success to Timehri has been executing remedial and maintenance works along the stretch for some time now.
This particular exercise will play a crucial role in verifying the bridges’ structural integrity and capacity to bear various loads, including vehicles, pedestrians, and cargo.
According to the release issued on Monday, the testing phase involves placing a target load on the bridges for approximately five minutes.
All defects will be documented and necessary repair or maintenance work will be initiated. The activity estimated to last seven days will be closely supervised by consulting Engineers from Sheladia Associates Incorporated and will likely disrupt the continuous flow of traffic.
In one week’s, time infrastructure works on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road improvement project will commence. 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 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.
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.