A series of implemented measures and real-time monitoring has ended the hours-long build-up of traffic at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), and now allows for free movement at any time of the day.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Friday stated that the congestion and time loss during peak hours at the Demerara Harbour Bridge needed to be addressed.
Collaboration was initiated with the Guyana Police Force to monitor the traffic situation in real time, and take appropriate actions to alleviate build-ups.
“We have been able to, in real time, judge the congestion and build-up of traffic on both the east side and west side, and have been able to take prompt actions to release that congestion and allow for continuous flow. People are no longer waiting for hours to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge in the mornings and the afternoon but the traffic is moving swiftly today.”
The Minister emphasised that this was not an overnight change. The movement of vehicles and factors which lead to traffic distress were studied. A number of approaches were taken to find the best solution.
An emergency lane was introduced to allow for ambulances and other emergency vehicles regardless of the time or rush hour. All vending and taxi drivers have been removed leading to the eastern side of the bridge.
“We have moved all of the vending, the congestion that used to take place in front there. The touting of hire-car drivers, illegal parking and selling [was removed]. As you look at it today, traffic is flowing and that’s the way it is day and night,” he relayed.
In the near future, a continuous left turn will be implemented for vehicles disembarking from the eastern end of the bridge and onto the East Bank Demerara carriageway.
“Rather than when you exit the bridge heading east and you have to wait on the traffic light, there will be a continual slip lane that you can keep turning left, there again improving commute.”
The management of the DHBC has been charged to develop an application, whereby the traffic congestion can be monitored in real time by commuters.
The current Demerara Harbour Bridge is expected to be repurposed and installed in various locations around the country, once the new four-lane, high fixed span Demerara River bridge being built under the current People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government is commissioned.
The construction of the new Demerara River bridge is slated to start in the fourth quarter of 2022. The project is expected to be finished within two years. The bridge will land aback Nandy Park, EBD, and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
The new bridge will offer easy connectivity to both the existing East Bank Demerara road as well as the new Diamond-to-Ogle bypass on the eastern side of the river and to the existing West Bank Demerara road and the new Parika-to-Schoonord road on the western side of the river.
The new bridge will also offer critical connectivity to the new Wales Development Authority, which will be a major centre of productive activity when it comes on stream.
