2 years later…$350M Hope Canal Bridge aggravating commuters, vehicle operators

May 19, 2016 News

The $350M East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Northern Relief Channel Public Road Bridge at Hope, East Coast Demerara – two years after its commissioning has been causing distress to commuters and vehicle

The $350M East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Northern Relief Channel Public Road Bridge at Hope

operators who use the link to traverse or ply their trade on a daily basis.
The reports received indicated that both approaches (east and west) have begun to sink causing a “depression” which results in a sudden rise and ending in an abrupt drop.
Road users have expressed their concerns with this new bridge pointing out the potential harm it would cause to persons who are unfamiliar with these issues. Several minibus drivers have also indicated that due to the depression, they are putting their vehicles at risk.
During an interview yesterday, with the National Task Force Secretariat Head, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, he stated that this issue was one that was inherited and their engineers were able to identify what the problem is.
Though he did not get into details about what the problem is, he stated that works will commence soon.
The bridge is 74.4 metres long and a 47-metre sloped approach on both sides; it has the capacity to accommodate two-lane traffic, with sidewalks on both sides.
The bridge was constructed by DIPCON Engineering Company and commenced in 2011. Due to several setbacks, the completion date was rescheduled from July 2013 to end of August of that same year.
However, as a consequence of several “setbacks” the completion date was subsequently slated for December 31. The bridge was completed during the first quarter of 2014.
The Bridge is one of the three components of the US$15 M Hope Canal Project.