$91M heavy-duty bridge to aid Region 2 development

[L-R]- A resident of Region Two, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill and Regional Chairperson of Region Two, Mrs. Vilma DeSilva

─concrete bridge replaces old Acrow panel bridge

A new $91 million concrete bridge at Riverstown, Region Two is well positioned to enable the economic growth of the region.

The heavy-duty structure replaces the failing Acrow panel bridge which had become too costly to maintain.

At Saturday’s commissioning ceremony, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill said it was not a standalone project, but part of the Government’s vision of enhancing communities.

Minister Edghill said prior to 2015, the PPP/C, “began to replace the bridges to ensure that we did not just have a good road, but the loaded capacity for the bridges would have been able to be up to standard to facilitate heavy commercial and this is a continuation of ensuring that Essequibo Coast… experience the kind of modernisation and development that will be seen all across Guyana.”

The Corentyne River bridge, the new Demerara River crossing, Kurupukari bridge, and other intended projects were highlighted as a testament to the Administration’s plans to connect the country.

The Minister added that the new bridge will immediately be able to accommodate commercial traffic from Moleson Creek and other connecting areas.

“The modernisation of Guyana is taking place in phases and we intend to see it being accelerated,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Mrs. Vilma DeSilva welcomed the opening of the new bridge, stating that they had been awaiting its reconstruction for some time.

“I know for sure this will benefit Region Two tremendously because we have lots of economic activity [and] heavy trucks to cross,” the Regional Chairperson said.

The bridge was built by H. Nauth and Sons Construction Company.

Contracts for the construction of similar bridges were recently awarded under the 2020 emergency budget. The Administration plans to replace all Acrow panel bridges along the railway embankment between Sheriff Street and the Hope Canal, with concrete bridges to accommodate heavy-duty traffic.

Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Omesh Odin and the contractor attended the bridge’s commissioning.