Traffic on the Demerara Harbour Bridge was yesterday afternoon disrupted around 4:10 pm after an oily substance was observed on the bridge’s surface.
Wayne Watson, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), spoke with Stabroek News about the situation.
“The substance was only observed once vehicles began slowing down,” he explained. “It had no smell or clear indication of what it might be, and we’re unsure exactly when it appeared.”
In response to the hazard, he stated that sand was applied to the affected areas to improve traction and allow vehicles to cross safely.
“Our main concern is to keep traffic moving safely,” Watson said. He noted that unsecured cargo from trucks may be the source, adding, “This seems to be a common issue now. Trucks are often travelling with unsecured loads, without notifying us of what they’re carrying.”
When asked if the substance had seeped into the water below, Watson replied, “We can’t tell. We don’t know the quantities on the bridge, or if any reached the water.” He added that a thorough inspection would take place today to check for deposits on the pontoon and other structures beneath the bridge.
The spill also affected the bridge’s double-lane traffic system, which was scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm but was delayed by about 45 minutes. DHBC management stated that it would engage the Environmental Protection Agency to assess any environmental impact and to check to see what exactly the substance is.
Via its Facebook page, the DHBC assured the public that their team was actively working to ensure safe transit and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the disruption.
