“Surface cracks”, rust on new Demerara River Bridge no cause for concern – public works minister

Last Updated on Sunday, 14 June 2026, 8:43 by Writer

Eight months into the US$260 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge (BJDRB) and already cracks on the pedestrian walkways are appearing, but the Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill assures that there is no cause for concern and that the vital east-west link is safe.

“The cracks are caused by the normal and safe expansion and contraction of the main bridge under temperature changes and vehicle loads,” he told Demerara Waves Online News, based on inspections that were conducted.

He said that deformation is transferred to those auxiliary components, resulting in “fine surface cracks.”

Mr Edghill said contraction joints had been installed in keeping with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) requirements to control cracking.

However, he explained, due to the inherent shrinkage of concrete materials, it is practically unavoidable to completely eliminate all fine cracks in engineering.

He said the pedestrian sidewalk and sleeper beam are auxiliary components rather than the load-bearing structural elements of the four-lane cable stayed bridge.

The minister further explained that in simple terms, they are like the exterior wall finishes of a house or the steps at the entrance—”they do not carry the overall safety load of the bridge.”

Responding to queries about corrosion of the bridge inspection vehicle track, the minister said the primary cause of track corrosion was the removal of the factory-applied anti-corrosion coating during the operation of the bridge inspection vehicle.

“Once the metal surface is exposed, moisture leads to surface rust—similar to the thin rust that forms on automotive brake rotors,” he said.

Based on advice from the engineers, Minster Edghill said that type of rust does not affect the strength of the track.

He said the maintenance team would regularly apply touch-up coatings.

Mr Edghill said the rust on some bolts was a result of minor damage to the coating on the threaded areas during installation.

He promised that the contractor would carry out separate rust removal and anti-corrosion treatment, and conduct inspections every six months.

“Neither type of rust affects structural safety, and we will continue ongoing maintenance,” Mr Edghill added.

With regards to rust on some bolts, the public works minister explained that that was due to minor damage to the coating on the threaded areas during installation.

“Neither type of rust affects structural safety, and we will continue ongoing maintenance,” he said.

Constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation, the 2.6 kilometre longbridge was officially declared open on October 5, 2025, a date coinciding with the incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)’s return to office in 1992—after 28 years.