Commuters in Guyana are set to benefit from the landmark new Demerara River Bridge, which will link the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) within the next two years.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) announced, on Tuesday (May 16), an exclusive work zone as construction on the bridge began.

MARAD stated in the notification that an exclusive zone is being effected, with two transit portions for vessels near the retractor and high spans of the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge.

“Construction will take place south of the Demerara Harbour Bridge on the West Bank to East Bank of the river. The exclusive work area shall be blocked and bounded…” MARAD said while advising vessels to navigate with “extreme caution” nearby.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had announced earlier this year that all residents along the new Demerara River Bridge’s path have agreed to move without resistance.

In May 2022, a joint venture led by China Railway and Construction Corporation Limited signed a US$260 million contract to build the new bridge, which would land at Nandy Park on the East Bank and La Grange on the West Bank.

The 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed bridge spanning the Demerara River will have a driving surface width of 23.6 meters. With a 50-metre fixed-high span and a bicycle lane, the bridge will eliminate vehicular traffic restrictions. To accommodate huge vessels, the river will be dredged 13.5 kilometre.

This bridge will replace the decades-old floating Demerara Harbour Bridge.The 1.25-mile (2.01km) Demerara Harbour Bridge connects the East and West Banks of Demerara, allowing thousands of vehicles, persons, and goods to pass daily.

The new bridge will improve the overall commuting experience.