The Demerara Harbour Bridge has “bridged” the gap for the hundreds of thousands of Guyanese who use it on a daily basis. Approximately 14,000 vehicles cross every day.
Opened on July 2, 1978, the bridge is a 1.15 miles floating toll bridge that consists of a pedestrian foot walk, with 61 spans; a raised section that provides a horizontal clearance of 32.0 metres and a vertical clearance of 7.9 metres to allow small vessels to pass at all times.
It also has two retractor spans that retract fully to leave a horizontal clearance of 77.4 metres to allow large vessels to pass. The floating bridge was designed by TSEL, while the abutments, toll plaza and western approach road were designed by Structures Section, Roads Division, MWT.
Fabrication of components started in England immediately after the signing of the contract. The retractor spans were assembled at a dock in London and tested before transportation to Guyana.
Construction of the bridge at Peter’s Hall started on May 29, 1976.
For more information please check the DHB’s website: http://www.harbourbridge.gov.gy/index.html
