The New Demerara River Bridge in Guyana, a project undertaken by CRCC, was officially opened on October 5th. Guyana President Irfaan Ali presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony, an event witnessed by over 10,000 people, including high-level representatives from both China and Guyana, marking a momentous occasion.
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President Ali hailed the new bridge as a "catalyst" for national growth and a 21st-century landmark for Guyana. He emphasized its role in boosting supply chain efficiency, driving industrial expansion, and enhancing regional connectivity. Spanning approximately 2,900 meters in the capital, Georgetown, the main structure is a pre-stressed concrete cable-stayed bridge with twin towers and a double-cable plane. Designed for speeds of 80 km/h, the bridge features four lanes for vehicles and dedicated lanes for non-motorized traffic. Its opening is expected to slash travel time across the river by 75% and more than double the navigational capacity, allowing 50,000-ton vessels to pass. The bridge now serves as a critical link between the Atlantic coast and Guyana's interior.
The construction team successfully navigated severe challenges posed by complex geology and adverse climate conditions. They utilized advanced technologies, including reverse circulation drilling for extra-long piling, smart temperature control for massive pile caps, and a BIM-based precision control system, which enabled a high-accuracy closure of the main girder and established a new standard for local large-scale bridge construction. The project generated over a thousand local jobs, trained more than 300 skilled workers, and ensured minimal environmental impact, particularly when traversing the sensitive mangrove wetlands.
More than just a piece of infrastructure, the New Demerara River Bridge symbolizes the deep friendship and robust cooperation between China and Guyana. It stands as a new model for infrastructure development across the Caribbean and adds fresh momentum to the high-quality advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.