From wood to concrete: Bagotstown Number Two bridge transformed
Guyana, DPI, Friday, September 14, 2018
The Bagotstown Number Two bridge on the East Bank of Demerara has been upgraded from a wooden structure to one of concrete.
The previous one-lane structure was utilised by residents of Bagotstown, Republic Park, Nandy Park, Eccles, as well as persons coming from further up the East Bank, who would normally use this area to bypass any congestion at the Demerara Harbour Bridge during the peak period.
Senior Engineer at Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Sherod Parkinson told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the bridge can now accommodate vehicular traffic in both directions.
He further explained that it is now a precast, prestressed concrete bridge which is expected to last for years with only minor works for its upkeep. Parkinson said measures to help regulate proper use of the bridge will be considered.
“On completion of the works we will replace the truck barriers that prevented heavy trucks from travelling through the community to destroy the roads. We also did some improvements to the Bagostown Number One bridge which was also constructed for one-way traffic. This now also a two-lane bridge,” Parkinson explained.
Minor roadworks which were not catered for in the contract were also carried out on the intersection where the bridges are located. Parkinson said the decision was taken to upgrade the intersection with the savings from the project, which would prevent the bridges from being flooded during rainy season.
“The Number One bridge was lifted when it was reconstructed years ago by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council so we lifted the Number Two bridge to the same level. With that, we also had to lift the intersection so that water doesn’t remain on the bridges. That intersection is being compacted for a few days and after which it will be paved” Parkinson underlined.
Both structures are outfitted with pedestrian walkways. A contract in the sum of $35.5Million was awarded to H. Nauth and Sons for the rehabilitation works on the Bagotstown Number Two bridge.
By: Ranetta La Fleur.
Images: Ackeem Thomas.