Virtual public consultation held on construction of new Wismar Bridge

– ¾Lindeners voiced concerns on aspects of project

 DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 7, 2020

Lindeners and other stakeholders benefitted from a virtual consultation held on Tuesday for the construction of the new Wismar Bridge that runs just south of the existing McKenzie to Wismar bridge.

Hosted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI), the engagement provided Lindeners with an opportunity to hear from the Italy-based consultant – Politecnica and technical officials attached the ministry.

Politecnica’s Team Leader Francisco Reina displayed the proposed design for the bridge during the virtual meeting.

Responsible for spearheading the feasibility study and designs, Reina explained that four bridge designs were considered. These included a half- through arch bridge, composite steel-concrete girder bridge, modular girder bridge and a precast concrete girder bridge.

Participants of the Zoom were informed that the latter design is preferred due to its structure and the materials that are to be used for construction.

The bridge will accommodate two lanes for vehicular traffic measuring 3.65 metres on both sides, two shoulders measuring 1.5 metres on both sides, and a footpath measuring 1.5 metres on one side of the bridge. The new bridge will also be outfitted with street lights.

Fielding questions from residents, Chief Transport Planning Officer within the Ministry, Patrick Thompson said the future use of the old bridge has not been finalised as there are options on the table for it to facilitate non-vehicular traffic.

Another concern brought to the fore was a sharp turn on the McKenzie approach of the bridge. To this, residents were told the design of the bridge was done within the boundaries state land and any design outside of that boundary would encroach on private property.

The new Wismar Bridge will cater for the continued expansion of Linden, in particular the birth of the Linden-Lethem road.

Tuesday’s consultation had approximately 100 participants. Environmental Management Specialist, Marciano Glasgow; Chief of Works within MoPI, Geoffrey Vaughn; Socio-Environmental Officer, Sherilyn Innis-Alphonso; and Transport Planning Officer, Joel Flatts also some of the officials on the Zoom call.

On October last, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure hosted its first public consultation on the Wismar Bridge.