The Ministry of Public Works says that the New Mackenzie-
Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, will be officially commissioned today by President Irfaan Ali at the bridge site.
A release yesterday from the ministry said the bridge is “substantially completed” and has been formally handed over to the Ministry of Public Works. The new crossing replaces the single-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge commissioned in 1967, which for decades allowed traffic to move in only one direction at a time.
Constructed at a cost of US$35 million, the release said that the new bridge is a modern, durable structure designed to serve Linden and the hinterland for generations. Its key features include:
• A 224-metre pre-stressed, 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.
• Toll-free use for all motorists and pedestrians, in keeping with the
Government’s commitment to the people of Linden.The release said that 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. 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.
• New drainage culverts and road lighting along the approaches.
The general public has been invited to the commissioning ceremony at 4:00 p.m. today.
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