The US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, will be commissioned on November 15, replacing a single-lane crossing that has restricted traffic since 1967.

The Public Works Ministry said on Saturday that President Dr Irfaan Ali will lead the ceremony at the bridge site at 4pm.

The new bridge has been substantially completed and handed over to the ministry. The old crossing, commissioned in 1967, allowed traffic in only one direction at a time, causing delays for commuters, residents and businesses.

The 224-metre concrete structure has four vehicular lanes and two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways. It has a maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue using the Demerara River.

The ministry said the crossing will be toll-free for motorists and pedestrians, with street lighting for safer night travel. It said the bridge will “allow the free, safe and simultaneous flow of traffic between Mackenzie and Wismar.”

The project also includes upgraded eastern and western approach roads, four-lane connections, roundabouts at both ends, new drainage culverts and additional road lighting.

On the western bank, works cover the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads. The eastern approach has an embankment built on improved foundations and a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht.

The bridge is expected to strengthen the corridor linking Linden to the Linden-Mabura and Linden-Lethem roads, supporting commerce, mining, agriculture and tourism.

The ministry has invited residents of Linden and Region Ten, along with the wider public, to attend the ceremony.