MoPW imposes temporary 18-tonne weight restriction at Parika, Supenaam stellings

The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) is urging all users of its transport and harbours facilities – at Parika and Supenaam – to comply with a temporary weight limit adjustment while active works are being executed at the two stellings.
All operators of heavy-laden trucks are required to temporarily comply with a new overall weight limit of 18 tonnes when transporting cargo and heavy-duty equipment.
Subject Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, while announcing this interim change in weight limit compliance at the two main facilities, underscored the reason for the temporary change, stating, “We have work ongoing at the Parika Stelling and the Supenaam Stelling, and we had to make adjustments to the bridges to accommodate the new vessel, the MV Konawaruk 1899. At this time, because of what is taking place in terms of the improvements on both sides of the Essequibo, where we are using our ferries to move vehicles and heavy-duty equipment, we are asking you to limit your tonnes in your vehicle to ensure a total weight of 18 tonnes.”
The appeal specifically targets trucks, canters, and other heavy-laden vehicles that must traverse these active construction zones to execute their respective economic activities.
“We are asking everyone to limit their weight to 18 tonnes per vehicle. It used to be 20 tonnes, but for this period – until we can complete all permanent works and ensure that every truck can safely traverse the stelling and move carefully through it – we want to avoid any situation where anyone is in trouble because something breaks or puts people’s lives in jeopardy,” Edghill added.
The public is assured that all efforts are in place to keep the docking service operable and the schedule accurate for the users.
The Ministry further emphasised that the safety and well-being of commuters, transport operators, and construction personnel remain its utmost priority. While these temporary restrictions may cause minor adjustments to daily operations, they are vital to safeguarding lives and preserving the structural integrity of our transit infrastructure.
“This is not something new. The Berbice Bridge weight limit is 18 tonnes; at the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, the weight limit was 18 tonnes. We can work this through until we can get more permanent, resilient infrastructure in place,” Minister Edghill emphasised.
The Ministry highly appreciates the continued cooperation, patience, and caution of the public as these critical upgrades are carried out.