Work on 79 pontoons is scheduled to be done this year as maintenance of the Demerara Harbour Bridge continues with efforts also currently being made to conduct a feasibility study for a new bridge across the river.
According to a release from the Government In-formation Agency (GINA), in addition to the works mentioned, three large and one extra-large pontoon for the bridge’s high span and retractor spans will be constructed with a contract already awarded and works scheduled to commence shortly. $555M has been provided by the Government for these activities.
Plans are also in place to construct and replace 320 deck plates, fabricate and install mesh panels, repair deckings as required and carry out annual maintenance of the retractor span hydraulic system. The release quoted DHB General Manager, Rawlston Adams as assuring that substructure works will not affect operation of the bridge, contrary to rumours that it would be closed for a two-week period to facilitate upgrading activities.
GINA said that presently efforts are being made to conduct a feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara River. The study will focus on various types of bridges, location and estimated cost of the project.
The release noted that over the years, significant investments have been made by the government to maintain and upgrade the DHB and generally improve its services. In this regard, there has been replacement of wire ropes, sheaves, shackles, buoys and servicing of winches on the anchorage system. Among the main projects undertaken during the last year was construction of three large pontoons costing $120M and resurfacing of the structure, which cost $42M, the release stated.
The existing bridge was constructed in the 1970’s and accommodates the crossing of 24 000 commuters daily. It was originally built to last ten years but was repaired in 1998 through a major European Union project at a cost of US$10M, which gave it another 15 years.
The bridge’s superstructure is supported by more than 100 pontoons and comprises 61 spans. Its double retractor creates a clearance of 210 feet horizontally to facilitate the passage of ocean-going vessels.
