Based on a recent condition survey conducted by the Linden Mining Enterprise Limited Secretariat, a restriction of 28.8 tonnes gross vehicle weight is being imposed immediately for crossing of the Demerara River on the bridge from Linden to Wismar in Region Ten.
Operators of heavy vehicles and equipment are being advised of this arrangement while the study continues to be reviewed, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a news release.
Additionally, members of the public are being reminded that the maximum weight of any loaded vehicle shall not exceed 72,000 pounds while measures will be implemented shortly to enforce legally established weight limits.
This will be done under a weight control programme that has started in Linden with initial data collection and then it will be taken to other areas.
Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn had earlier indicated that the programme may include measures to have overloaded vehicles reduce the weight they carry before continuing the journey or impose special toll for use of the roadways by such vehicles.
He had stated that consideration will be given to the procurement of fixed scales to be installed at certain points for road limits to be constantly checked and the necessary action taken.
This is part of efforts to protect and maintain the country’s infrastructure since it has been observed that heavily laden vehicles are contributing to serious damage of roads and bridges. Based on a preliminary exercise conducted it was observed that 100 percent of the heavy-duty vehicles that traverse the roadways are overweight.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed for multiple use of hinterland roads by miners and forestry operators, there is a regulation that seeks to prevent the use of heavy vehicles on roads which do not have a bitumen surface during wet conditions.
