design and feasibility study along with all geotechnical tests and studies needed to move ahead with the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge. The studies were valued at US$2 million.
Although Guyana was a signatory to the project, it was mainly funded by the Government of Suriname. The bridge will feature 119 spans, a width of 12.40m and carriageway of 10.05m, including lanes and shoulders.
It will allow for two lanes in regular conditions and three lanes in emergency or controlled conditions; it will carry an important collision protection mechanism.
Meanwhile, the new four-lane, concrete bridge slated to be constructed across the Demerara River at Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) will commence soon, Minister Edghill said.
“The new four lane bridge at Wismar will begin work [soon]; monies have been provided, the contractor was identified and we are ready to go.
“[This is] not a campaign promise but we’ve gone beyond for works to commence,” the Minister said.
The estimated cost for the bridge is about US$35 million; the government is engaging the Chinese joint venture – China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.
That company is constructing the new US$260 million crossing over the Demerara River to bridge Regions Three and Four.
