“We want it to be done safely” – Jagdeo on New Demerara River Bridge completion

…says Govt not fast-tracking works to meet artificial election deadline

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to prioritising safety and structural integrity over political timelines, as construction continues on the New Demerara River Bridge.
The bridge, which will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) features a bicycle lane, and would bring to an end to the closure of vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free and uninterrupted flow of vessels. During his weekly press conference, Jagdeo made it clear that Government will not compromise safety in a bid to complete the bridge ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections, dismissing public speculation about political motives tied to the project’s timeline.
“They’re now hooking up the final span across. It will be very soon. You can see that if you drive across. But we’re not going to push them to meet an artificial deadline just for the sake of the elections. The people in Region Three and Region Four who use that bridge and every other region, see it every day. They know what’s the commitment we made. To get a structure up like that in such a short period of time, basically it’s three years after COVID. A structure like that nearing completion and with the highways, all the associated highways, is phenomenal,” the VP said. The bridge, which is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and facilitate greater connectivity between East and West Demerara, is among the largest infrastructural undertakings in Guyana’s modern development plan.
The bridge, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited (CRCCI), is progressing steadily towards its scheduled completion date of 31 August 2025.

Acknowledging the public’s eagerness to see the project completed, the VP stated that while it would be ideal for the bridge to open before the next elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government remains committed to prioritising quality and safety over political showmanship. “Which other political party could have structured that in this way? They take a long time to do… Patterson talking about some small project – and they just love to talk about them. All the time talk about it. Oh, we had the idea. We plan to do it. They even falsely claim things – and they’ll never get it done. We’re focused, we always are focused on getting things done. So, we’re not going to push anybody. So of course, I’d love if it’s done before the elections. They can complete it safely before the elections. I’d love that that to happen so people get a feel for it. But if it doesn’t, we’d have to live with that. We want it to be done safely,” he assured.
The new Demerara River Bridge would land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). A massive 650-body workforce is working to advance the project.
Temporary closure
Meanwhile, the contractor, Joint Venture, overseeing the New Demerara River Bridge Project, has announced a major road closure on the East Bank Public Road, between the Ramada Princess Hotel and Nandy Park, which began Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 2:00 a.m. and will remain through to Monday, July 28, 2025 at 4:00 a.m. According the agency, the closure will affect all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and is part of essential works being carried out on the bridge project. Traffic Diversions will see southbound traffic being redirected via Haags Bosch Road to Heroes Highway and northbound traffic being diverted through Massy Road to Heroes Highway.
Persons travelling on foot between Peter’s Hall and Providence are advised to use the Thomas Street Peter’s Hall/ Old Road Providence access road. Additionally, all road users are urged to comply with the traffic control measures in place during this time to ensure safety and minimise delays.
The new bridge is a critical component of the Government’s drive to expand and modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure, and would address the challenges faced by users of the current bridge by providing safe, efficient, and effective crossing.