The Ministry of Public Works today announced that the new Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, Region 10, will be officially commissioned by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday, November 15, at 16:00h.
The bridge is substantially completed and has been formally handed over to the Ministry of Public Works by the contractor, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co. Ltd. This handover followed successful load testing exercises done earlier this month ahead of the opening, which was initially slated for October 5 but was postponed.
Constructed at a cost of US$35 million, the new bridge is a modern, durable structure designed to serve Linden and the hinterland for generations. Its key features include:
• A 224-metre prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder superstructure spanning the Demerara River at Linden;
• Four vehicular lanes, replacing the existing single-lane crossing;
• Two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists;
• A maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue navigating the river.
• Modern street lighting along the full length of the bridge for safe night-time travel; and
• Toll-free use for all motorists and pedestrians, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to the people of Linden.
The bridge is complemented by new eastern and western approach roads that tie it into the Linden- Soesdyke Highway, the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider national road network. Those features include:
• Four-lane approach roads with medians, traffic islands and curbing;
• A modern roundabout at each end of the bridge, on the eastern (Mackenzie) and western (Wismar) banks, to manage traffic safely and efficiently;
• On the western (Wismar) side, the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads, together with the Burnham Drive approach;
• On the eastern (Mackenzie) side, an embankment built on improved foundations with prefabricated vertical drains, geotextiles and retaining structures, and a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht; and
• New drainage culverts and road lighting along the approaches.
The Public Works Ministry commended the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers for their dedication that has brought this project to completion.
According to the ministry, the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will end the long delays of the one-lane crossing and allow the free, safe and simultaneous flow of traffic between Mackenzie and Wismar.
It strengthens the vital corridor to the hinterland via the Linden-Mabura Road and the Linden-Lethem Road, supporting commerce, mining, agriculture, tourism and the daily lives of thousands of residents. The bridge stands as another milestone in the Government of Guyana’s programme of transformative infrastructure, delivered for the people of Guyana.
The general public, and in particular the residents of Linden and across Region 10, are invited to attend the upcoming commissioning ceremony on November 15, 2026.
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