New Demerara Bridge Construction: EBD police urges cooperation ahead of April 5-6 road closure

With the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor slated to be closed to vehicular traffic on April 5 and 6 to facilitate the ongoing construction of the new Demerara River Bridge, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is assuring the public that measures are in place to mitigate disruptions to commuters, including alternative routes.
Speaking on the “Road Safety and You” programme, Assistant Superintendent Michael Ramdas from Regional Division 4B (EBD), has assured commuters that efforts are being undertaken to manage the expected traffic congestion, and minimise disruptions during the upcoming closure of sections of the EBD corridor.
In order to facilitate construction works on the new Demerara River bridge across the East Bank corridor, the public road will be closed from the Demerara Harbour bridge intersection to the Ramada Princess Hotel entrance for 48 hours.
This has prompted the implementation of alternative traffic diversion plans by the East Bank police division. Inspector Ramdas emphasised the importance of these detours, while advising drivers of some routes they can take.

“…there will be a road closure along the East Bank, and as such, we put out some advisories advising drivers of the road to use – and let me give you a quick rundown of some of the roads. Some of the roads that we’re advising drivers to use are coming from the airport or north of the district. We’re advising you on some cut-offs, some turn off points to either approach, or use the Heroes Highway or the Windsor Estate access road. Now we have the Diamond access road at the traffic light intersection,” he said.
“If you intend to go onto the Heroes highway to exit to go further north of the district to one of the schools or probably Georgetown, you could either divert by Diamond or divert by the glass building, you can make a right turn, and you will have ranks there to direct the traffic. You could make a divert by the overhead tank that is in Farm area. You could also make a divert at Mocha Road,” he advised.
“You could turn right and exit on the Heroes highway, or you could use the Windsor Estate Road. You could use Greenfield Road and turn right to use the same road, and you could also turn onto Red Road,” he further explained.
The traffic officer said the road closure is not to obstruct anyone, but to facilitate the construction of the new Harbour Bridge.
“I’m advising persons: do not try to breach borders, it’s very dangerous; it’s heavy material moving and it’s very dangerous … It’s not advisable to have persons walking there nor vehicles driving there… the portion that I mentioned there that would be a dead stop… that would be Princess [Hotel] to Nandy Park would be a dead stop,” he noted.

He also urged drivers to be patient and adhere to all detour signs and traffic advisories, so that everything will run smoothly.
As the construction progresses, the authorities remain committed to keeping the public informed, and minimising disruptions for all road users.
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, recently announced that the new Demerara Harbour Bridge is expected to be completed by August 31, 2025, as mandated by the President. He explained that the road closure on April 5 and 6 is necessary to facilitate the movement of the bridge across the East Bank Public Road, ensuring adequate space for contractors to manoeuvre safely.
To minimise disruptions, Singh noted that public awareness initiatives will commence immediately, including daily updates for commuters.
Specific detours include directing southbound traffic from the West Side through Bagotstown Public Road and Dumpsite Road, while northbound traffic may utilise Craig, the traffic light by Diamond Housing Scheme, or Little Diamond, for further access.
Singh emphasised the importance of road users following posted signs and instructions from traffic ranks, to ensure a smooth and safe commute. He also urged those heading to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to utilise Heroes Highway to avoid congestion.