GEORGETOWN: Staff of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) will over the weekend be working on the structure to replace the 35-year old pivots on spans one and two, a very necessary operation as they have become corroded and can collapse if not fixed; the bridge’s General Manager Rawlston Adams told the media at a press conference today.
“These works are very critical for the upkeep of the bridge…the pivots based on recollection were never changed…we do not have an option, it has to be changed,” he said.
The area on the Demerara Harbour Bridge where the pivots will be replaced
Today’s press conference sought to give the public more information regarding the nature of the repairs. Adams via a PowerPoint presentation illustrated the work done on the bridge last year when spans 61 and 62 collapsed as they would be similar to what has to be done now.
In order to facilitate the timely execution of the work, the public has been advised that the DHB will be closed to heavy traffic (vehicles that weigh 22 tonnes and over) on September 21 and 22.
Adams explained that while the pivots are a small component in the whole scheme of the bridge, the preparatory works commenced four months ago. At that time the dredging operations started to allow for adequate floatation for the temporary pontoons that were installed to aid the changing of the pivots.
The entire project costs over $5M however, much of the funds went into the preparatory works which includes the dredging. Adams indicated that funding for the project comes from bridge revenues, and the staff of the DHB, who have the necessary skills, will undertake the work. The pivots were fabricated by Courtney Benn Construction. One of the original pivots was used as a template to design the ones that will be installed.
At center is the Demerara Harbour Bridge’s, General Manager, Rawlston Adams. Also in the photo are engineers attached to the bridge
Apart from changing the pivots, rehabilitative work will also be done on the distribution beam, frames and saddles.
“It’s a lot of work but we are quite confident that we can get it done…we have all systems and equipment in place to achieve this work,” Adams stated. It is anticipated that on Saturday most of the tasks will be completed.
Bridge congestion
With regards to the traffic congestion on the bridge, Adams noted that this matter is not just about the DHB, but the East Bank corridor as well. Over the last four years, traffic has increased by 8 percent per annum. While the double lane exercise is being facilitated, that is limited in scope as the traffic continues to increase, “So there is little we can do outside of what we have already done…it is only going to get worse, and our solution is that you have to get a new bridge,” he posited.
Adams explained that a pre-feasibility study was done in conjunction with the Works Ministry for a new Demerara River bridge. He explained that three possible locations were looked at; these are at the current location, New Hope on the East Bank going across to Patentia and Versailles to Houston.
“We had some comments on the study and those comments were forwarded to the Consultant who is revising his work and we expect by the end of this month to have the complete report, and that report once it is completed will be handed over to the Minister who will then advise Cabinet as to the way forward,” Adams stated.
He explained that because it is a feasibility all options and types were brought into consideration, but a mixed high level bridge is desired.
In terms of the effectiveness of the traffic lights that were installed on the eastern end, Adams noted that an evaluation has to be done, however since installation, there were no accidents at the DHB and East Bank junction.
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