Section of Linden-Soesdyke Highway: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Preliminary works for the reconstruction of the US$161 million Linden-Soesdyke Highway have commenced, with Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill indicating that progress is being made as it relates to the mapping exercised for highway’s geometric improvements.
The contract was awarded to Namalco Construction Services of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyanese firm Guy-America Construction Incorporated back in August in the presence of President Dr Irfaan Ali, residents of Mighty Enchanter Creek and surrounding communities.
The upgrading of the Linden-Soesdyke highway involves the reconstruction of two lanes, 10 bridges and six culverts with improved design, quality and standards.
The scope of work also entails milling of existing asphalt surface course, application of varying pavement structures above the milled sections of pavement inclusive of asphalt, sand asphalt, and sub-base; full-depth pavement reconstruction in certain sections, construction of three roundabouts along the alignment, sidewalks extension to nine multi-span bridges, drainage work, and utility relocation, and installation of roadway lighting.
Additionally, it includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support, and improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities.

Edghill, who was at the time addressing a recent stakeholder meeting in Linden Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), disclosed that the preliminary works ongoing will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the highway is built within outlined standards.
“On the Linden- Soesdyke Highway to access Linden, some preliminary works have already started and, you know, we had the contract signing and we declared what’s happening there to be able to bring the connectivity all the way into Linden. So, there will be geometric improvements and what do we mean by that? Make the road safer to drive and travel so we can reduce the level of accidents. There will be widening of all the bridges on the Linden- Soesdyke Highway. There will be, in terms of how you access and join and connect, we’re putting in a roundabout at the Linden-Soesdyke Junction and East Bank, one at Millie’s hideout, one at the 5th Corner, and then there will be one that will connect this continuation into the bridge. And, of course, on the Wismer side as well,” Edghill shared.
The Minister added that works ongoing will ensure that the highway aligns with Government’s Road connectivity plans for Guyana, which includes expanding the productive capacity of the country, boosting land availability, and opening up new areas for a multifaceted investment portfolio.
“Now, the intent is that with traffic, moving goods, containerised traffic into Brazil, and once you’re into Brazil, you’re basically connected into all of South America. But we’re particularly focusing on northern Brazil, you’ll have to have rest stops, service stations, trucks, and other vehicles, hotel accommodation. When people get into here off the trail or what we call now, we call it a trail, but it’s coming to be the road, eating and other hospitality services would be required,” he said.
Some 300 individuals from Linden will be employed by the contractor to reconstruct the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
To ensure the project stays on track, the Government has acquired the services of an international consultant, Absheek Engineering of Kuwait, to work in collaboration with C.B. & Associates Incorporated. That contract totals some US$1.7 million.
President Ali during his address at the sod turning ceremony had assured Lindeners that their region will continue to see massive investments, including the 121 kilometres Linden-Mabura Hill Road that is being built for US$190 million. (G1)