GEORGETOWN, Guyana [Peter Paul Media] — Across the wide waters of the Demerara River, a striking new skyline of cables and towers announces change is in the air. The New Demerara Bridge—the long-awaited replacement for the aging Demerara Harbour Bridge—is in its final stretch.
Load testing has been completed, finishing touches are underway and Guyanese from both banks are preparing to cross a structure built to modern standards, toll-free, 24/7, with high expectations for safety, efficiency, and connectivity.
Testing began in mid-September and according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, “Every test conducted … met and exceeded expectations.”
These tests were not box-ticking exercises. They involved subjecting the bridge to weights and stressors designed to mimic heavy traffic, while monitoring structural behavior and capacity. The performance was so strong that officials are confident it will handle daily use by more than 50,000 vehicles.
With load testing wrapped up, focus has shifted to last-mile components: Completion of the approach roads and the roundabout linking Heroes Highway to the bridge is nearly done.
Finishings like barrier rails, lighting, finishes, paving, drainage and guardrails are being installed. The remaining cables in the main cable-stay span, the final slabs and ancillary systems are the last pieces of the puzzle.
When will it open?
While no precise date has been given yet, government sources expect the bridge to be fully opened to vehicular traffic by the end of September. Minister Edghill noted that the president will formally announce the opening date once final inspections and works are complete.
Key features and what changes?
This new crossing is more than just concrete and steel—it’s a game changer in several ways:
> Four vehicular lanes, wide shoulders, median, pedestrian walkway, utility corridor.
> Speed limit set at 80 km/h.
> Toll-free access, 24/7, once the bridge is opened.
> Navigation span high enough for Handymax vessels; designed with a robust structure meant to last 100 years.
What this means for Guyana?
Reduced congestion: The bridge addresses daily traffic bottlenecks, especially at Eccles and other access points. It promises smoother flow between East Bank and West Bank communities.
Economic benefits: With estimated annual savings of about GYD $3.5 billion due to eliminated tolls and reduced travel times, this infrastructure is expected to ease commuting burdens for many and stimulate trade and mobility.
Maritime traffic improved: The old bridge (once replaced) will remain retracted permanently so that ship traffic no longer has to wait for spans to open and close. This opens up continuous, uninterrupted navigation in the river.
For Guyana, the New Demerara River Bridge is more than infrastructure—it is a symbol. It says that the country is investing boldly, bridging physical barriers between communities, and making daily life smoother for thousands.
With load testing done, and the final works racing toward completion, the opening of this bridge will be a landmark moment. When the ribbon is cut, the bridge will connect more than shores—it will connect hopes, opportunities, and futures for all Guyanese.
Peter Paul Media 