DHB opens to canters weighing no more than 7 tonnes

– Vessels to traverse the bridge from Thursday 

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, September 3, 2019

The Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is now allowing canters weighing no more than seven tons to resume crossing following emergency repairs to the structure.

The green light was given earlier today to allow light vehicular traffic to use the bridge from 2 pm; four hours ahead of scheduled time following the completion of all structural repairs.

When he made this disclosure, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson noted that strict measures would have been put in place to ensure that the 7-tonne weight limit is enforced until further notice.

“They all have to go on the scale and no more than 7 tonnes will be allowed.”

He noted that work on the bridge continues so that heavier vehicles will be allowed to utilise the bridge.

“The bridge is still not perfect, so we want to ensure that we do not cause any worse damage. I know it is an inconvenience for a lot of people, the canters and truck drivers but it would be even more inconvenient when the bridge is not working for everyone,” he said.

He also pointed out that Thursday morning is the earliest possible time that vessels will be able to cross.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge was forced to close on Monday morning after a tug and barge transporting some type of material slammed into the bridge, loosening the anchorage and shifting the bridge out of alignment.

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams earlier today reported that works are being carried out in three phases by a team of 7 engineers with 54 supporting staff along with one diver.