Weight restriction for new Demerara Harbour Bridge, sufficient space for four lanes

Last Updated on Sunday, 6 April 2025, 22:05 by Writer

The new Demerara Harbour Bridge would have to put special arrangements in place for extremely heavy trucks, and there is sufficient space to accommodate the planned four-lane east-west corridor, officials said Sunday.

Head of the Transport Planning Unit at the Ministry of Public Works, Patrick Thompson, said the standard limits the weight up to about 36 tonnes gross weight, and axle load of 12 tonnes. “In the event where we have a crossing that is gross weight greater than 36 tonnes, there will have to be a special crossing and will have to be managed in some way or the other day,” he told reporters.

“This is going to be a comfortable four-lane,” Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said when asked by Demerara Waves Online News.

Mr Thompson explained that the 3.65 lane widths have been designed according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Additionally, he said there would be a two-metre shoulder and a sidewalk/cycling lane. “From this depth (below the bridge), it’s difficult to appreciate what’s up there, but once you climb up there, you realise there’s a lot of space up there,” he said.

The Public Works Minister said construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge is on track for completion by August 31, 2025.