Symbolic walk, fireworks and cultural show planned as new Demerara Bridge opens on Sunday

The much-anticipated commissioning of the new Demerara River Bridge will take place this Sunday, marking a historic moment in Guyana’s infrastructural development. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Friday briefed the public on what to expect at the grand opening ceremony, which promises to be a well-coordinated and memorable national celebration.

The official ceremony and speeches will be held along the southern carriageway on the approach road to the bridge. A specially constructed stage and vantage point will accommodate invitees.

Following the formal proceedings, invitees will embark on a 2.9 km symbolic walk across the bridge using the southern carriageway, before returning via motorcade along the northern carriageway. During the walk, participants will have access to two water stations, toilet facilities, and emergency services.

Minister Edghill assured that the bridge has met all required standards and that there is no cause for concern regarding its safety.

“We have not compromised on standards. Throughout construction, all necessary tests were conducted,” Minister Edghill assured.

Once the ceremony is completed, it is expected that the bridge will be opened to traffic.

The commissioning ceremony will also feature a rich cultural programme and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. A coordinated sounding of alarms by all ships in the Demerara Harbour will also be on display.

According to Edghill, this will signal the end of years of “restraints and hardships” caused by the old bridge’s opening and closing schedule.

Authorities anticipate thousands of persons in attendance and have implemented special traffic measures to minimise congestion and confusion. The Guyana Police Force will issue traffic advisories, and complementary parking will be available at the Guyana National Stadium, where a shuttle service will transport people to the ceremony.

For commuters from Region Three, special traffic arrangements will be in place:

• Eastbound traffic on the old Demerara Harbour Bridge will operate on two lanes between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Westbound traffic will benefit from the same arrangement between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh explained that specific traffic management systems will be in effect on both the eastern and western approaches to the old bridge. Traffic ranks will be stationed at all major intersections, from Rome to Mandela/Eccles, Greenfield, and Heroes Highway, to ensure a smooth flow.

“Importantly, the speed limit will be adhered to. No matter where you are coming from, we want you to arrive alive and celebrate with the nation,” Singh said.