The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is to close for 24 hours from Sunday at 3 am for emergency repairs and water taxis will operate uninterrupted during this period.
(Editor’s note: The Ministry had originally said the closure was from Saturday midnight but subsequently changed this.)
In a statement today, the DHB Corporation (DHBC) said that emergency repair works have to be done to Span 8 of the bridge.
It said that the closure will take place from Sunday, February 26th 2023, 3 AM to Monday, February 27th 2023, 3 AM.
It added that the works have become critical after the Panama-registered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion crashed into the bridge in October last year, and rendered it inoperable for several days.
“Citizens are assured that this inconvenience is absolutely necessary at this time to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge, for the safety of everyone crossing”, the statement said.
In light of the closure of the DHB for the 24 hours, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said in a statement that Demerara Water Taxis will remain operational for a period of 24 hours from Sunday, February 26th 2023, 3 AM to Monday,
February 27th 2023, 3 AM., to facilitate the transport of commuters.
Commuters are assured of an uninterrupted water taxi service from Vreed-en-Hoop to Stabroek during this period, MARAD said.
MARAD added that the fare for this service remains at $100.