The Demerara Harbour Bridge will only allow light vehicular traffic, not exceeding 18 tonnes, due to damage to the structural integrity of span nine.
Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill said these guidelines are in effect from Thursday afternoon, following an inspection of the damage.
“We have satisfied ourselves that if we release one truck at a time on the bridge, as against several trucks both going and coming at the same time, we would be able to alleviate some of the problems that we currently face.” Minister Edghill said.
Minister Edghill added that the new system will put on hold special crossings that were done to facilitate vehicles weighing up to 22 tonnes.
He said the changes must be strictly implemented by the staff employed at the bridge and any deviation will be met with disciplinary action.
During this traffic arrangement, engineers and other officials will project future steps to be taken to address the damage.
Minister Edghill stated, “the technical team that is assembled will go back to the drawing boards, do the necessary testing, engineering, designing to come up with a solution, and we should have a solution within 72 hours.”
Additionally, Mr. Ravie Ramcharitar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, will engage marine agents to create a new retraction schedule.
He urged citizens to be patient while his Ministry seeks to repair the bridge.
“I would like to appeal to all the owners and operators of trucks to exercise patience. We don’t want to interrupt commerce. We don’t want to interrupt people’s lives and livelihood. We are committed to ensuring this bridge stays afloat while we advance the process for the new four-lane, concrete, high- span bridge.”