Contractor completes Tiger Creek bridge, approaches to be done today

─bridge to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles next week

The reconstruction of Tiger Creek bridge, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) which collapsed on November 3 is complete.

However, Mr. Wendell St. Pierre, Regional Engineer with responsibility for Region Eight at the Ministry of Public Works, told DPI that other works are still ongoing.

“The bridge is finished but the contractors have not been able to finish the approaches because of the inclement weather,” he said.

Mr. St. Pierre said the contractor plans to build the approaches on both sides of the bridge by the end of today.

Once the approaches are done, he anticipates the bridge would accommodate its full tonnage from next week.

The new Tiger Creek bridge is a log bridge constructed with greenheart wood. It is stronger and situated higher above the creek than the previous bridge.

Additionally, Mr. Pierre said, bush was cleared from around the shoulders of the two hills on both sides of bridge, though this was not part of the contracted works. These works were done to allow more sunlight to penetrate the road amid the rainy season.

On Monday, the Ministry of Public Works advised that the bridge would only accommodate light vehicular traffic not exceeding 14 tonnes.

Following the Tuesday, November 3 collapse, the Ministry had crafted a three-week timeframe to complete the works on the bridge, but this deadline was extended due to rain.

The Ministry is providing technical assistance on the project, while the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission is tasked with executing the repairs.