The planned new Berbice River Bridge will be built at or near the existing crossing point, ending speculation about the location of the project, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said.
Speaking in an interview with Ignite News, Edghill said the government’s position on the location remains unchanged.
“It is the same location… the Berbice Bridge will be at the same location as where the Berbice Bridge is right now. Maybe a little bit off, but it will start at the same point to facilitate construction,” he explained.
PREPARATORY WORK ADVANCING
He said preparatory work is advancing, including procurement and supervision arrangements. He said the process draws on lessons from major infrastructure projects such as the Demerara River Bridge.
“We’re putting in place both the contractor and the supervision arrangements to get this project going,” Edghill said.
Technical and financial proposals for engineering supervision have already reached the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). Three consortia have bid for the contract.
They are Politencia Ingegneria ed Architettura S.C. with SRKN’gineering; AI Engineers Inc. with Environmental Management Consultants Inc and WSP Inc.; and RITES Limited with Sheladia Associates Inc. and CB & Associates Inc. The selected firm will supervise construction once contract negotiations end.
KEY FEATURES
The planned Berbice River Bridge will be a high-span, four-lane fixed crossing. It will replace the current floating bridge system. Construction will begin in 2026. The design will mirror the Demerara River Bridge, which opened in October 2025.
Once completed, the bridge will improve traffic flow and support economic activity across Region Six. It will strengthen the transport corridor.
The bridge forms part of a wider infrastructure expansion in the East Berbice–Corentyne corridor. This includes the four-lane highway upgrade from Palmyra to Moleson Creek. It also includes plans for a deep-water harbour, national stadium, municipal airport, housing schemes, and energy infrastructure to support long-term growth.
