The Demerara Harbour Bridge stands as a vital link in Guyana’s infrastructure, connecting the east and west banks of the Demerara River. Spanning approximately 1.2 miles, it is a crucial piece of infrastructure for commuters, businesses, and trade. However, despite its significance, the bridge has witnessed its share of accidents and incidents over the years, prompting concerns about safety and infrastructure management.
Over the years, the Demerara Harbour Bridge has been marred by several accidents, with the most recent being on Tuesday, when two trawlers drifted and collided with Spans 26 and 27. While this did not result in any major structural damage to the facility, it had caused some delays and worry among commuters.
This is not the first time the bridge has been rammed by an oceangoing vessel and/or trawlers, resulting in damages and also much inconvenience to commuters.
In 2022, an accident that resulted in four spans of the DHB being severely damaged had put the Bridge out of operation for days, and had left thousands of commuters who normally use the facility with no choice but to use water taxis at the old ferry stellings at Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown.
In addition to major incidents, there are accidents occurring on the bridge as a result of reckless driving, causing disruptions. Last year, there was a collision involving multiple vehicles during rush hour, which resulted in significant traffic congestion and minor injuries to several motorists. The incident underscored the challenges of managing high volumes of traffic on the bridge, especially during peak hours. In September 2023, an overweight truck attempted to cross the bridge, violating weight restrictions. The incident necessitated emergency repairs, and raised concerns about the enforcement of regulations governing vehicle weights on the bridge.
Even as the new Demerara River crossing is being constructed, there still need to be efforts to enhance safety on the DHB, which certainly requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing stringent regulations and public awareness campaigns. Strict enforcement of weight restrictions and traffic laws can deter violations and ensure compliance, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by overloaded vehicles or reckless driving. At the same time, educating motorists about safe driving practices, weather-related precautions, and emergency procedures can empower them to make informed decisions and respond effectively in challenging situations.
We support the management of the bridge when it announced earlier this year that, having observed an increase in traffic violations on the bridge, it would enforce its regulations which can result in a ban on the vehicles from transiting the Bridge.
There is no disputing the very high volume of commuters and vehicles that cross the DHB on a daily basis, with traffic buildup on both ends bringing much frustration to all.
As Guyana continues to develop and modernise its infrastructure, ensuring the safety and integrity of critical assets like DHB must remain a top priority. By learning from past accidents, addressing underlying vulnerabilities, and implementing proactive measures, stakeholders can work together to mitigate risks and safeguard the bridge’s vital role in connecting communities and facilitating economic growth. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to safety, accidents on the Demerara Harbour Bridge can be minimized, allowing it to fulfill its purpose as a safe and efficient transportation route for commuters.
