The Chinese translation is being made; the original is shown for now.
Nov 01, 2026 News
(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali will officially commission the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10, on November 15, 2026.
The Ministry of Public Works announced the commissioning date in a release on Saturday, disclosing that the new bridge is substantially completed and has been formally handed over to the ministry.
The new crossing replaces the existing single-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, which was commissioned in 1967 and, for decades, allowed traffic to move in only one direction at a time. The ageing structure had become a major bottleneck for residents, commuters and commercial activities in the mining town.
According to the ministry, the new bridge is a modern and durable structure designed to serve Linden and Guyana’s hinterland communities for generations.
查看配图：New US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge to open November 15
The new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region 10.
查看配图：New US$35M Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge to open November 15
Among its key features is a 224-metre prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder superstructure spanning the Demerara River. It also boasts four vehicular lanes, replacing the existing single-lane crossing, as well as two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge has a maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue navigating the Demerara River.
It is also equipped with modern street lighting along its entire length to facilitate safer night-time travel. The crossing will be toll-free for all motorists and pedestrians, fulfilling a commitment made by the government to the people of Linden.
The bridge is complemented by new eastern and western approach roads connecting it to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider national road network.
The approach infrastructure includes four-lane roads with medians, traffic islands and curbing, as well as modern roundabouts at both ends of the bridge, on the eastern (Mackenzie) and western (Wismar) banks, to facilitate safer and more efficient traffic movement.
As previously reported, the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, signed a US$35 million contract with China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co. Ltd. in January 2024, with construction commencing in April of that year.
In its statement, the ministry said the new crossing will eliminate the lengthy delays associated with the one-lane bridge and allow traffic to move freely, safely and simultaneously between Mackenzie and Wismar.
It further noted that the project will strengthen the vital transportation corridor linking the coastland to the hinterland through the Linden-Mabura and Linden-Lethem roads, while supporting commerce, mining, agriculture, tourism and the daily activities 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 ministry stated.
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