Bridge at Kurupukari Crossing to be constructed this term – Edghill

As works continue on the Linden–Lethem all-weather road, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has assured that a bridge at the Kurupukari Crossing will be constructed within the current five-year term.

“We’ve already built out the bridges [along the Linden-Lethem trail]. The first phase of the road is under construction. The second phase of the road is being negotiated. The third and fourth phases of that road is under active consideration. The bridge across the Kurupukari is under active consideration and will be built out in this five-year term,” Edghill said during a live broadcast on Monday.

The construction of a bridge at the Kurupukari Crossing was first announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali while on the campaign trail. At present, vehicles travelling to and from Lethem must line up to cross the Essequibo River via a pontoon at the Kurupukari Crossing.

As the government moves to transform the existing Linden–Lethem dirt trail into an all-weather roadway, the proposed 600-metre bridge is expected to significantly improve the travel experience by creating a more seamless journey.

The Linden–Lethem project has been divided into several phases, with work on the first phase, from Linden to Mabura, already progressing. The government has stated that once completed, the project will reduce travel time between Linden and Lethem from more than 12 hours to approximately four hours, a development expected to greatly enhance trade with neighbouring Brazil.