Good Success-to-Timehri Road Project: IDB recommended changes to design pending approval

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has reviewed the design for the US$75.8 million Good Success to Timehri road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and made several recommendations to the project’s contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to upgrade the plan.
CRBC is currently amending the design to include the IDB’s suggestions, after which it will resubmit the design for approval.

In an invited comment, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill shared with Guyana Times that rehabilitation works on the 24 kilometres of road will commence soon.
He explained that CRBC has committed to working around the clock to mitigate further delay, but in the meantime, they will continue executing remedial and maintenance works along the stretch. Load testing for the existing bridges from Relief to Soesdyke is underway.
Edghill in a previous comment disclosed that 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.
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.

Delay
Works were slated to commence on August 1 but the Guyana Times understands that it was delayed because the contractor, CRBC did not complete the design for the project on time.
The contractor has lost approximately nine weeks of work time, however, has committed to deliver by the stipulated deadline of 36 months.

Design
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 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.