Physical works on the new Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden are now 97 per cent complete.
The update was provided to Minister of Public Works during a recent site assessment. An on-site walkthrough of the 233-metre concrete bridge confirmed that concrete placement is nearing completion while inspections were also conducted on secondary road connections.
The Minister held a multi-stakeholder meeting which included technical staff from the Ministry, contractors China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd. and GuyCo Construction Inc., and the consultancy firm, Politecnica.
Works on the western side, including the West Watooka Connector and the and Dakoura Haul Roads, are are 33 per cent complete. For these two main arteries, subgrade preparation, subbase, crusher run base, and curbing are 100 per cent finished.
The foundation works for the roundabout are also 100 per cent complete, with curbing at 50 per cent. Additionally, work on the Burnham Drive approach is advancing, with subsurface works at 38 per cent, curbing at 39 per cent, and culvert works currently underway.
Meanwhile, the Eastern End of the bridge is 27 per cent complete, accounting for foundation and retaining structures. At the time of the visit, 3,750 prefabricated vertical drains had been installed and geotextiles laid, with the contractor currently placing white sand and crushed stone as part of the subsurface works.
A new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht has been successfully installed, and construction is underway for the retaining wall of the main embankment. Excavation and geotextile installation are complete, with backfilling ongoing to prepare for final surfacing.
The project remains on track to be fully operational by June 2026, pending the completion of the connector roads. When finished, the toll-free crossing will feature two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways, modern lighting, and two new roundabouts on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge.
The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the growing demands of Region Ten and the wider country.
(EXTRACTED FROM THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS)