Construction of the US$35 million MacKenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten is now 31 per cent complete, with significant advances anticipated by the end of the year, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported on Sunday.
The update was provided during a site visit on Sunday morning, led by President Irfaan Ali.
The project, executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, includes the construction of a four-lane 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge that includes essential safety features such as lighting and sidewalks.
During a brief presentation by the contractor and technical personnel, it was noted that work on the bridge began on April 8, 2024, and is expected to be completed on April 7, 2026.
A temporary trestle bridge has also been constructed to facilitate transport without placing additional load on the existing bridge, DPI said, adding that the structure is operational and allows uninterrupted passage for emergency vehicles and vessels.
The next phase of the project will focus on the pile foundation. Installation of the drilling platform was set to begin on January 5 and this will be followed by pile construction in early February.
The pile foundation works will proceed round the clock to meet deadlines. DPI said construction of the girder fabrication yard, which is integral to the project, is set to begin in March.
All preliminary designs and surveys have been completed, while detailed design revisions are underway, DPI said. Temporary facilities for workers and equipment have been created and materials for the pile foundation are expected to arrive on-site by January 20.
In addition to the bridge, the Ministry of Public Works will oversee the construction of access roads and a roundabout.
DPI said that the President has instructed the ministry that these works should be expedited through tenders to ensure their timely completion.
“All that we have to do must be completely designed and the engineer bidding document ready for advertisement by next Saturday,” he said, according to DPI.
Addressing a large gathering of residents who came out to welcome him, DPI said that Ali emphasised that in addition to the bridge, the government is investing billions in infrastructure to transform Linden’s landscape and enhance the livelihood of residents.
The President also toured the MacKenzie Sports Ground to assess progress on its transformation into a modern sports facility.
International standard stadium lights have already been installed and significant progress has been made in constructing spectator stands and pavilions for athletes, DPI added.
The President was accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry Deodat Indar; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
