Pre-feasibility study in 2013 had recommended fixed bridge

New Demerara River crossing

– new study abandons model, endorses another retractable bridge

The $146.3 million feasibility study Government carried out on the new Demerara River bridge has finally been completed, but its findings indicate a preference for another retractable bridge; something a 2013 pre-feasibility study had found, through consultations that stakeholders did not want.
The Feasibility Study and Design for the new Demerara River bridge was presented to Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson on Wednesday. The 57-page final report was done by Dutch company, LievenseCSO.
The project team had included officials and technical personnel from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and the Transport and Harbours Department. It is based on an agreement which was signed last year.
It is understood that the feasibility study determined the proposed location of Houston-Versailles as the most ideal. It was further noted that the bridge should be a low-level one with a movable part and three-lanes.
According to the report, this structure would provide the most socio-economic benefits for Guyana. The report is also claiming that this would lead to the lowest urban environmental impact.
Furthermore, it was recommended that the promotion of alternative transportation routes should be encouraged to lend to the longevity of the new bridge.
The completion of the feasibility study paves the way for the next stage, the pre-qualification of contractors for the construction of the bridge. This process has already begun and will likely conclude by October 17.
The contract between the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) and the Dutch company was signed on December 9, 2016, during which Arie Mol, Advisor to the CEO of LievenseCSO, committed to ensuring that all schedules are met and completed on time.
Floating at 1.25 miles, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the eastern and western banks of the Demerara River. It facilitates the daily movement of a large numbers of vehicles, people and cargo. The structure was built in the 1970s, but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years. However, some 37 years later, it is still floating.

2013 study
In 2013, the Bridge Corporation had collaborated with the then Public Works Ministry to carry out a pre-feasibility study. That study concluded that a ‘fixed high level’ bridge was the best option to pursue, rather than the retractable model.
This option would ensure that traffic would be able to flow even while boats passed underneath the structure. At present, the bridge operates according to schedules, in order to cater for riverain traffic.
This has traditionally resulted in a rush hour and lengthy traffic lines, as motorists hurry to catch the bridge before it closes. It was to solve these traffic woes and the advanced age of the Demerara Harbour Bridge that a new bridge was even contemplated.
According to the 2013 report, consultations were carried out with various Private Sector agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) representing cross sections of the production and manufacturing sectors in Guyana.
These consultations, the report details, were to obtain valuable data to complete the report, introduce stakeholders to the new Demerara River Crossing concept, and garner feedback that could potentially influence the project.
The agencies the Public Works and Finance Ministries engaged were the Private Sector Commission, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the Guyana Shipping Association, the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, and the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers.
According to the report, these stakeholders “indicated a strong desire for a new fixed bridge structure across the Demerara River. The new structure would not only relieve road and marine traffic congestion, but would also facilitate and catalyse improved mobility, sector growth, and planned development at the Georgetown Harbour.”