Construction of Diamond/Ogle road to commence in 2019

Construction of the East Bank – East Coast Road Linkage Project (Diamond to Ogle) is expected to commence in July 2019, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has announced.

This will be stage 2 of the project, with stage 1 being the completion of the Consultancy Services for the design of project, which was done by RITES Ltd – an Indian Public Sector company, at a cost of US$1.321M.

According to the Government Ministry, based on submissions thus far, the approximate budget for construction is US$104M.

In March 2016, the Guyana Government inked a loan of US$50 million with Export-Import Bank of India for the construction of a 20km bypass road from Ogle to Great Diamond, on the East Bank Demerara.

The new road will serve to reduce the congestion by providing commuters with an alternative route, thereby improving the safety and comfort of commuters.

It will also allow commuters to navigate around the outer limits.

“The option around the city would reduce traffic congestion in the Capital City.

“In summary, the travel time between East Bank and Georgetown will be reduced, thereby creating significant savings for commuters. By taking off some traffic from the East Bank Highway and Georgetown, it would also reduce the deterioration and erosion of these roadways,” the Ministry of Public Infrastructure noted.

Currently, the East Bank Highway is the only exit route available to residents who occupy Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and East Bank Demerara.

“Since these areas are below sea level and prone to flooding, it is important that an alternative route be created in the case of any major natural disaster.”

It was noted that the design will allow for the integration with the existing road network via a number of Connector roads (total length of 9.62 km) at Aubrey Barker Road, Haags Bosch Road, Mocha Arcadia Road and Diamond Access Road.

The proposed design for the main alignment comprises of three sections. Between Rupert Craig and Railway Embankment will have four lanes with a cycle lane on each side and covered concrete drain which will be used as a sidewalk; between Railway Embankment and GuySuCo Compound a similar design but expanded and the cane field area which will have four lanes with a 40m reserve to separate direction of traffic.

All other deliverables will be submitted in 2019.

For 2019, the Consultant will submit the Draft Detailed Project Report in February 2019, Final Detailed Project Report in April 2019 and the Bid Documents in May 2019.

The Government of Guyana has also approved the Consultancy services for the continuation of this project; i.e. from Diamond to Soesdyke which will also commence in 2019.