Upgrade of East Coast Bridges well underway-two completed so far
DPI, GUYANA, Monday, August 21, 2017
Four bridges along the Railway Embankment road have been earmarked for rehabilitative works for this year. This was disclosed by Maintenance Engineer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), Sherod Parkinson.
“Most of the bridges on the Railway embankment are these aqua panel bridges or steel bridges. They have been there for quite some time and some of the steel rust members are beginning to fail,” as a result the Ministry has been on top of it ensuring that the bridges are fixed, the Maintenance Engineer explained.
This was the situation with the Liliendaal Bridge, following an investigation by the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Inspection Team and engineers attached to theMPI, it was recommended that the bridge be repaired.
Works which commenced early in March to prevent a collapse of the bridge, were fast tracked to complete the repairs before the end of June. The spanking new Liliendaal Bridge was re-opened in May. The $89M structure which was converted to pre-stressed concrete included walkways on both sides, catering for pedestrians and cyclists.
Whilst the Plasiance Bridge was completed in just two weeks, the Liliendaal Bridge took some three months. This, Parkinson pointed out was due to the fact that two piers had to be constructed, which were not catered for and the inclement weather was also a factor. The Liliendaal Bridge is also much longer in length than the Plaisance Bridge and the new $19M Plaisance Bridge required no additional works. Parkinson explained, “there was precast works…. dismantling the bridge was just to rest on the decks.”
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson earlier this year had committed to focusing on infrastructural development across the country – with two bridges completed, and the Annandale and Lusignan Bridges slated for reconstruction this week. These rehabilitative projects are expected to be completed by year end.
Other bridge projects
Berbice
On the Number 66, Corentyne, Berbice steel truss bridge rehabilitative works are almost completed, Parkinson disclosed. Corrosion to the bridge was caused by salt water over the years and parts of the structure sustained damage during an accident. Repairs have been ongoing in the night to facilitate day-time traffic Parkinson explained. The bridge which stretches over a 100-foot creek will be rehabilitated at a cost $28.6M.
West Coast Demerara
The main access bridge of Bagotville, on the West Bank of Demerara, is currently undergoing repairs to some support beams that were damaged due to erosion and heavy rains.
By: Zanneel Williams