Good Hope Bridge rehabilitated
DPI, GUYANA, Monday, April 23, 2018
In just fourteen days, the rehabilitation of the Good Hope Bridge, on the East Coast of Demerara, was completed, transforming former acrow panel structure to a concrete one.
A $23.5M contract was awarded to BK International for repairs to the bridge. Engineer attached to the company, Richard Hardick told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that much of the time was spent tediously dismantling the old structure. However, through determination the upgraded bridge was completed in a timely manner, he added.
“We were put under pressure with the road being closed to traffic so we were working hard to complete it soon. This [bridge] consists of seven beams and two sidewalks for pedestrians, which the other bridge didn’t have. It is also a wider bridge as well and is more structurally safe for everyone. Despite the challenges we proved that bridges can be built quickly if people put their mind together and work as a team,” Hardick explained.
The Engineer, further stated that prior to the works, the bridge was deplorable, rusty and unsafe and could have collapsed at any moment. This new structure will last for more than 40 years with only minimal work to be conducted on the asphalt, Hardick assured.
Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Sherod Parkinson commended the contractor for the timely completion, despite the fact that the repairs began later than expected.
“The contractor worked as much as possible around the clock to get it completed. It was finished last Friday into Sunday but as we speak it’s completed with minor plastering works ongoing,” Parkinson explained.
The government is committed to the continuing development of the country’s infrastructure in the construction/rehabilitation of bridges both on the coastal and in the hinterland regions, in order to foster growth and economic development.
In 2018, $840.4M was allocated in the budget for the works on the Demerara River Bridge among other bridge-improvement initiatives.
By: Ranetta La Fleur