https://kiskadeewatch.com/guyana/load-testing-under-way-on-new-mackenzie-wismar-bridge/

Load testing under way on New Mackenzie-Wismar bridge

By Staff Editor Fri, October 2 2026, 2:07 AM GMT-4

Load testing under way (Ministry of Public Works photo)

Load testing is officially under way on the New Mackenzie-Wismar bridge as five heavy laden trucks totaling 180 tonnes are putting the modern 220-meter pre-stressed concrete structure to the ultimate test, a release from the Ministry of Public Works said yesterday.

As the teams monitor the total guaranteed safety, structural integrity, and long-term durability before opening day, the four- lane concrete bridge will replace the current single-lane bridge. This is set to eliminate bottlenecks with seamless travel across the Demerara River on the toll free crossing, the ministry said.

It advised the public to look out for more updates to mark the final countdown to “boosting trade and regional connection for Region 10 and Guyana’s hinterland with the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge!”

Load testing had not originally been intended for the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge but was later instituted after queries were raised in public.

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