Final load testing on new Demerara River Bridge will be done over 24–48-hour period with heavy-weight trucks

While emphasising that extensive testing was conducted throughout the construction of the Demerara River Bridge to verify its structural soundness, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill noted that the final load testing will span 24 to 48 hours.

Speaking with reporters during the wee hours of today during the final pour of cement to connect the eastern and western ends of the new US$262 million bridge, Edghill asserted that there is no question about the structural integrity of this critical piece of infrastructure.

He pointed out that as scores gathered on the bridge to witness the historic moment, there was a crane, weighing more than 700 tonnes, parked on the structure.

“So, anybody who have any concern about if this bridge could take 100 tonnes, 200 tonnes, 500 tonnes, it is proven,” Edghill posited.

He further emphasised that throughout the construction process, testing was done.

“…at every stage, whatever is required for testing, the materials that we used on this bridge was tested in the factories. The concrete, the mix design, everything had to be tested,” the minister explained.

Nevertheless, he said the structure will undergo a final post-construction load testing – something that was always in the contract.

“When you talk about the load testing, my understanding is that there will be 16 trucks each weighting 15 tonnes that will be put at particular sections, a computer will be hooked up and in a 24–48-hour period, there’s certain readings that will be taken to talk about the movement of the cables and all the rest of it to ensure everything is aligned in keeping with the design standard,” the minister outlined.

The new crossing, which is set to be commissioned in a matter of days, consists of four lanes and spans 2.6 kilometres, connecting Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara.

At its highest point, the bridge is 50 metres, which means Handymax vessels can pass comfortably underneath. With a lifespan of 100 years, the bridge is expected to mitigate current traffic woes and congestion.

The new crossing will operate 24/7, toll-free, and accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights, with a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.

Its design will also feature the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH), the country’s second-highest national award.

This landmark project is being executed by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited and supervisory firm, Politecnica.