The long-awaited Berbice River Bridge is to be open to light vehicular traffic by December 23, although there is still concern that the completion of the eastern access road is lagging behind schedule.
“We are hoping for a sooner date… but the latest date we will have will be the 23rd,” Chairperson of the Berbice Bridge Company Incorpo-rated (BBCI) Geeta Singh-Knight told members of the media during a tour to the bridge yesterday. She explain-ed that it would be initially opened to all taxis, minibuses and other light vehicles. The initial opening will not cater to goods’ vehicles, Singh-Knight said, and a public notice will be issued at least a week before they are to be allowed to traverse over the structure.
The announcement came after numerous delays, missed deadlines and other obstacles encountered in constructing the roughly US$40M floating bridge, which is said to have a lifespan of over 30 years. The most recent deadline for the completion was September but owing to a delay with the shipment of the retractor span it could not have been met. The bridge opening will be a welcome holiday gift to Berbicians and other travellers who have been awaiting an alternative to the slow and often unreliable ferry crossings. Berbicians expressed relief at yesterday’s announcement as only one vessel has been plying the New Amsterdam to Rosignol route. Commuters, especially vehicle owners have been experiencing several hours of delay to cross the river and are “praying that the nightmare would end soon.”
The contract for the project has been signed for a cost of US$8.7 M and is set for completion in April 2009, when the official commissioning and handing-over is expected to take place. Singh-Knight said that the contractors–Bosch Rexroth and Mabey & Johnson–would be handing over a fully lit bridge, including on the high span (and under the high span for the ships) and retractor span as well as lighting on both ends of the access roads.
Toll booths being constructed at the D’Edward end of the Berbice River Bridge.
Members of the media were given a first-hand look at the ongoing works during the tour. The western end of the roughly 1570 metres-long bridge is set at D’Edward Village and extends across the river to Crab Island on the eastern side. It was observed that the western end at D’ Edward is almost completed, while on the eastern side the asphalt has still not been placed. But according to Singh-Knight, the company has been assured that the eastern access road will be ready. “We have been given assurances that the road will be prepared, that vehicles will be able to move on it at the time of opening of the bridge,” she said.
An official from the Dipcon Contracting Com-pany, which is building the road, told Stabroek News that it is pleased with the work on the access road, while it is trying its best to ensure that the eastern road is ready for use by the proposed opening date. The official said only 15% of the work is left to be completed at the D’ Edward Village end, including the final asphalt surface. He said that all of the “concrete works for the drains have been completed and that the base is in place for the lighting facility” to be installed, though the work has been stopped for the past month to facilitate the construction of the toll plaza and the “weigh bridge.”
Meanwhile, he said, the contractor is in the process of placing the final layer of reef sand on the eastern end of the road, which stretches from Palmyra to Crab Island. After that, he said, the crusher run would be applied before the paving of the asphalt commences. The culvert at that end is 90% completed. The official explained that delays are being experienced because of intermittent rainfall. He said, “A couple hours of rain means a couple days of delay….” But he noted that at the moment the weather is favourable. The contractor has also suffered setbacks in sourcing of the reef sand and the “changing of the designs.”
Work ongoing at the Crab Island end of the Berbice River Bridge while a portion of decking is still to be laid on this section of the bridge.
‘Riding surface’
Engineer Bert Carter, Chairman of the technical team, told reporters that assurances have been given by the contractor and the government that there will be a “riding surface” between D’Edward and Palmyra when the bridge opens. “It will not be an asphalt surface like you see out on the public road but it will be a surface good enough to offer a riding quality,” Carter detailed, while noting that there will be settlement on the road. “Both structures will get some differential settlement,” he said, adding that like the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) it will be allowed to consolidate initially and then surfaced.
A BBCI director said it is hoped that the road would at least be “drivable in time for the opening, if not completed. You do not have to get a completed road for it to be passable. Work could still go on even after the bridge is opened to the public.”
A tug crosses under the high span of the Berbice River Bridge yesterday.
Works on the bridge are still ongoing including ancillary works on buildings and toll booths.
The Berbice Bridge, which stretches for almost two miles, will be shorter than the DHB but will have a similar width of 22 feet. Currently, only one span out of a total of 39 remains to be installed, while work is being finalised on the retractors, Singh-Knight said.
According to a statement from the BBCI, the erection of the west retractor span is 80% completed and the eastern retractor span is about 60% completed. These sections will be built on top of the eastern and western acceptor span.
Marine traffic
Upon retraction for marine traffic, the width of the channel would be 70 metres, which would be the same as the DHB while the depth is four feet on average at low tide. The retractor span would facilitate large vessels, while other maritime traffic, particularly from the bauxite company Oldendorf, would be able to pass under the high span “unimpeded”. The high span is 40 feet in height while the distance between the two pontoons that support the high span is 120 feet. Only vessels 40 feet or less would be allowed to traverse under the high span of the bridge. Such craft will need to have radio communication with bridge authorities but those using the channel during retraction must give 24 hours advance notice. There is a buffer zone of one mile on either side of the bridge. In the original design of the bridge, the high span was to be positioned on the western end of the bridge but the design was adjusted for the high span to be placed at the eastern end. The change was made to facilitate a better flow of the river traffic.
On the D’Edward side, construction of the abutment has been completed and the first landing span installed. The Crab Island abutment is 80% completed. The bridge protection system for the high and retractor spans were installed.
The surface of the bridge is coated with an epoxy resin and then overlaid with calcined bauxite, making the bridge virtually skid free. Also, cameras will be placed strategically to detect speeding and according to Singh-Knight, those caught doing so will be fined and they could also be banned if they persist. The speed limit on the bridge is set at 50 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour).
Additionally, the generator buildings at D’Edward and Crab Island have been constructed while connection of primary power by the Guyana Power and Light on the D’Edward side has been done with similar work to begin on the eastern side shortly. Work is ongoing on the toll plazas and the administration and maintenance buildings. The security building and two public conveniences are 95% completed.
The bridge company would be mobilising and training almost 60 staff to manage and maintain the bridge for the next 21 years. Vacancies were advertised and persons shortlisted; interviews are set for next week. Not all staff will be hired immediately and those that are, will begin work on December 1 and so will have three weeks of training before the bridge opens.
Tolls
Meanwhile, Singh-Knight said that tolls for using the bridge have been finalised by the company and will be taken to the government for approval. The tolls will be a bit higher than those now paid for using the ferry. “The structure we have worked out is ranging between five to ten percent (higher than current ferry toll) for the different categories,” Singh-Knight said. She noted that they were working with the current ferry structure and when the “willingness to pay” survey was looked at it came out higher. She said that the government’s response is expected within a week or two week’s time.
Tolls would only be collected on the western side of the bridge but a mini toll station is also being erected on the eastern side. Vehicles would be allowed to cross up to the 40-tonne weight limit and trucks would have to be weighed and may be required to pay extra toll, depending on their weight. The average toll for a vehicle will be around $1,400 [costs would vary for different classes of vehicles] but no charge will be levied for individual passengers. This amount was calculated on the basis of a formula intended to secure sufficient revenue to cover all operating and maintenance costs, return on investment and repayment on financing.
Singh-Knight had said that the contract amounts are fixed and changes in procurement costs would not change anything. She said that BBCI hopes to use an automated system or an easy-pass system rather than paper ticket payment of tolls.
Among those accompanying the media on the tour were BBCI Secretary, Winston Brassington, Chief Executive Officer Omadatt Samaroo, as well as directors P.E Fredricks, former chancellor Cecil Kennard and Earl Chung. Representing the contractor, Bosch Rexroth and Mabey & Johnson were Site Supervisor/Installation Manager Henry Muskens and Project Manager Will Maas.
BBCI’s six common shareholders are Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico), the National Insurance Scheme, the Hand in Hand Fire Insurance Company, Secure Inter-national Finance, Demerara Engineers & Contractors Limited (a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Ltd), and New GPC. Other investors in the project are Republic Bank Limited, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Citizens Bank, Demerara Bank, Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc , Hand in Hand Trust Corporation, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the New Building Society.
We need a path way on this bridge, this bridge is only for vehicles and its too costly to go over with a vehicle to just do some shopping People could go with a bicycle to and from New Amsterdam but the bridge does not allow this
take the ferry , leave the bridge for vehicular traffic only.
This is a wonderful development. The residents must be very excited. I hope that there is a regular maintenance plan in place. Keep on moving, Guyana!!
I am so proud of the progress Guyana is making in an attempt to open up the country the way it should have been 20-30 years ago, but like they say, nothing happens before it’s time.,,,,we are on the move….
YEEAAAAAA. Great news indeed, another icon to show Guyana’s development. At last we are going to have the uses of the bridge.
This is what we expect from a government, the kind of development in the country to ease travel, encourage production and business, the alleviation of crime, illiminate poverty enhance the economy, etc. Great job and compliments to the government.
I’m especially impressed with the inclusion of an automated easy-pass system on the bridge. This will help greatly in preventing traffic pile up at the toll station.
The only thing I didn’t see included on the bridge plan is the construction of a police check-point, something I think would be very important to deter bandits from crossing the bridge to perpetrate crimes in Berbice (vice-versa), or going to Berbice to hide out, and to arrest those who may try to “run the toll gates” by not paying.
KEEP THE GOOD WORK UP GUYANA, WILL BE HOME SOON. One day we’ll again be a nation the Caribbean will have to respect and flock to.
this would surely help in a huge way in answer to the many inconvienced cause to commuters traverseing the berbice river, hope this bridge is maintained in a professional manner.
…… reading this report ,, and being mechanically inclined ,, i have to say that the projected date for the opening ,, will not ,, be met ,, my calculation for this disappointing forecast is based on all the mitigating factors in the equation
we r now in the rain – fall – every – day – season ! ,, and since the mouth of the Berbice river ,, is part of the corentyne basin ,, and largest out flow to the atlantic ,, west of the mighty Amazon ,, they ,, ( the bridge people ) will have to re – calculate the moorings of the west end of the pontoons that anchor the bridge ,,,,,
the silt is not only goin to affect the mouth from the atlantic brought by the east west flow ,, from the mouth of the Amazon ,, that deposits 3 million tons of silt each day ,, increased activity on the banks of the Amazon and it’s tributaries in the entire basin and the guiana shield ,, will add to much more than 3 million tons ,, added to this daily phenomenon ,, with the rain – everyday – now ,, in Gy ,, means too ,, that with the rising of the Amazon ,, so too will the rivers in GY ,,
bringing with it it’s own share of silt that is helping to build the sand banks forming EACH day at all the mouth of all rivers in GY flowing to the Atlantic ,, Berbice being the largest west of the Amazon ,, is the reason for “crab island ”
if at low tide ,, the depth at the mouth of the Berbice river is 4ft,, then , in abt a decade from now the bridge will no longer be afloat ! the tonnage of the pontoons ,, will affect the displacement of the water ,, and eventually rest on the silt !…… the planning of the placement of the bridge ,, did not have any calculations with the Amazon ,, in the equation ! hence the myriad ,, failures that will soon be on board for the investors and management team ,, this is a classic example of how ,, when ,, those who give advice to the ultimate decision maker
who is clueless as to the entire spectrum of the dynamics in the equation is left ,, to say yes or no !,,,,,,
bombarded with the political pressure to deliver ,, economic development ,, in a total lack of infrastructure ,, — for the longest while –,, the President is at a disadvantage to determine ,, the best possible choices for such development !
what does the President know abt the Amazon river ???? is he ,, not the person who signed the deal for the Bridge to be where it is ???????……. whatever is the peoples share of investment ,, they will have to wait for a very long time to see any returns ,,, much like the Skeldon investment !…….
all of this is what obtains when a shoe maker is asked to build a BRIDGE across
the BERBICE RIVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! especially at the very mouth of this second largest river in GUYANA ! those whose theory was advanced for this site will soon be rewarded with the flaws of their ill conceived THEORIES !…
……….remember the president is minister of all ministries……..micro management at work……….
Michael, that is a lot of information. Let us just be thankful that the bridge actually made it to serve people now. If it does not last the 30 years then at least our children will have something to write about and tell their children that back in 2008 there was a floating bridge there.
the basic concept of a floating bridge, is on stagnant waters, not at the mouth of a river where the current is strong.
the most important factor was not taken into consideration, global warming and the rising ocean water.
This makes much sense. It is my understanding that similar objections were raised against the bridge being built at the present location but the president pressed on to have it built there anyway. Given the “because I say so” attitude of our president, I doubt his hands were forced to make this decision. Growing up in Berbice I recall two instances where that river was dredged because of the same silt problem. For such a wide river it is very shallow and silt is a huge problem. I guess they ignored that as a minor problem if any at all. Just hope they didn’t build another “cardboard ship.”
Hey man, by the time dem bad bad thing happen wa you talk about they will get mo money fu bill a betta bridge, the one they should have built in the first place; a concrete arch/suspension bridge. It would have cost more, but it would have lasted much much longer. They make Suriname look much smarter where bridging is concern!
Congratulations to the ppl & the govt. on the opening of the new bridge. I sincerly hope that a maintenence schedule is in place, so as to minimise unforseen circumstances & down time. In all societies, there is CRITICS, & that is what makes us stronger. In surfacing the roadways, I hope they will use the right materials in doing so. A certain %age of rubberize asphalt, for expansion& contraction.SUCCESS.
Don’t have to worry too much about expansion and contraction in Guyana. The temperature is normally above 75 degrees most of the time. But the non slip surface will help during misty and rainy days.
Mackydog – You make me laugh … my sentiments exactly. Where can I find the Atlantic River in GY? Regarding the bridge ..it will not open for vehicular traffic on 23 Dec 08, because their is still a lot of construction work to be done…that being said… when it fully opens to traffic… the bribery will start and the bridge will quickly go into disrepair when the over weight trucks start to traverse it …forget the weight station….the truck drivers will bribe the individuals who will be manning these stations…and not to mention a quick path to get the drugs and guns to G/town. And heaven forbid…when the accidents starts….can someone tell me where is the nearest hospital.
Nearest hospital is the new New Amsterdam Hospital and Fort Wellington hospital in West Berbice. I understand from present residents of Berbice that the bridge would not be able to accommodate heavy trucks, in part due to the lack of proper foundation on the Crab Island end of the Bridge. So the Ferry would still be in service.
a bretheren and me had an arguement on a flight to guyana when this idea of this bridge came up…i told him that a bridge will be built there so dont sweat it…
he said a bridge will be built but not under this govt…i told him this very govt will build this bridge and i will be the fist to drive him across…the brother told me this one single word…”impossible” i hope he is reading and i hope he see this blog…he knows who he is….the bridge is there brother…send your message to sn…let me take you for a drive across….in January……impossible huh? not under this govt huh? i hope you are eating your words my friend….i know you are reading…..
Congratulation to the people of Guyana…..
I hope the Government do not allow illegal vending on this bridge……….
Do not allow illegal vending from either side of the brige…
Thats my only fear…..
Now that the bridge is almost complete, I hope they have made allowances for scales at both ends, also putting cameras in place to monitor that the weight of the trucks do not exceed allowable limits. As we all know in Guyana, bribes can take care of most thing. Allowing excessive weight will shorten the life of the bridge while making a few people rich, will in the end cost all Guyanese, when the bridge don’t last as long as it is supposed to, as these floating bridges are very expensive to maintain, and much more expensive when they are abused or get old.