Stanleytown Bridge to be replaced with 4-lane structure

The Government has announced plans to construct a new bridge in Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara (WBD) following swift restoration works on Monday that resulted in the installation of a temporary steel structure.
The bridge is critical in facilitating connectivity for commuters moving between Canals No. 2 Polder and the Wales/Patentia area, as well as those heading north towards Vreed-en-Hoop or Georgetown.

The restoration works conducted on Sunday evening into Monday morning were geared towards improving the stability of the dilapidated structure, which could have collapsed at any given time.
According to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, the steel structure is a temporary fix, noting that engineers from his ministry, China Railway Construction and Politecnica have already been engaged and are in the process of designing a new structure, which will likely see a four-lane bridge being built to replace the existing infrastructure.
During a site visit on Sunday night, Edghill explained that that recommendations arising from consultations conducted with relevant stakeholders will be included in the proposal for the new bridge.
“His Excellency, who have been constantly updated and have given specific instructions, has advised me as the Minister of Public Works that we should look at the long-term solution here and anticipating the future development of this corridor. We will definitely be replacing this structure with a four-lane bridge eventually. So since yesterday, the design team have been starting to design that. The contractors of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the supervisory firm has promised to also provide some engineering sketches to help us how we can get that done. And just like we did when Bagostville had a problem, we want to be able to get a new bridge in place in the shortest possible while. So, what is going to happen, this bridge that we’re putting in tonight will remain as a bypass while the construction is taking place. When we finish constructing a span that will allow for two lanes, we will then demolish this and cast the other two lanes,” Edghill said.
This bridge will not only enhance traffic flow with a four-lane structure but also address critical drainage issues in partnership with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.
On this point, he emphasized that the pertinent piece of infrastructure will alleviate issues such as flooding faced by residents during the rainy season.
“Along with that, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, their engineers and their team, they will have to work with us to design the bridge in such a way that the water flow to allow for the full operation of the source to take the water in and out is necessary. So, it would not just be a regular four-lane bridge, but it will be one that will be taken into consideration drainage and irrigation concerns because you know canal number two and canal number one is largely farming area, agriculture”.
“So, Guyana’s development is moving rapidly. It is one of the things that I’m sure every Guyanese proud about, but in that process, we are facing many challenges and what used to be maybe 10 trucks a day passing on this carriageway taking in sand to some private developer or a house that is under construction has now seen up to about 400 trucks a day.
That is the magnitude of what is taking place and we have to be able to put in place the resilient infrastructure to cater for that,” he added.
While the temporary steel structure has been installed, allowing vehicles weighing 60 tonnes to traverse the bridge, works are ongoing to relocate utility lines, with Guyana Power and Light (GPL) wires and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pipelines being repositioned.
Additionally, unauthorised structures on the government’s reserve were demolished and machinery moved to facilitate construction.
Edghill warned that building on government reserves can lead to significant disruptions, potential risks, and consequences, especially for those who are establishing these structures. (G1)