A significant milestone was achieved as a $35 million US-dollar contract was formally signed for the construction of a new four-lane bridge connecting Wismar and Mackenzie in Linden.
The contract was awarded to the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC), and the signing ceremony took place at the project site.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, joined by numerous attendees, including regional stakeholders, highlighted the specifications of the project.
The new bridge, a pre-cast structure, will span 20 meters and must be completed within two years.
It is designed to accommodate road safety signage, lighting, with a maximum horizontal clearance of 32 meters and a vertical clearance of 11.5 meters.
The new bridge will replace the existing Mackenzie Wismar bridge built by the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1966-1967.
President Ali emphasized that the construction of the bridge is expected to bring substantial benefits to the people of Region 10 and the entire country, facilitating ease of business and contributing to greater economic development.
He noted its significance as part of a broader road network connecting Georgetown to Lethem, linking to a deep-water harbor in Berbice and extending through the east bank, Linden Soesdyke Highway, Linden Mabura Road, and crossing the Takutu into Brazil.
The CRCC Project Contractor, Donshon Lee, expressed the corporation’s commitment to executing the project safely and in compliance with local and international safety standards.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of the project, which is anticipated to address traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure in the region.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance transportation networks and foster economic development.