The Demerara Harbour Bridge was closed off late last night for checks after a tug and barge being used at the construction site for the new Demerara Bridge, drifted away from that site and slammed into two spans of the current bridge.
The bridge was reopened to traffic early this morning after the checks revealed minimal damage and did not impact the operation of the bridge. The latest update from the Bridge company this morning indicated that the planned retraction and double lane crossing today remain in place as the traffic flow and marine flow continued.
This morning, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said a full investigation will be launched into the incident. He said that investigation will be spearheaded by the Maritime Administration Department.
“Yes there has been an incident, but it has not put the Demerara Harbour Bridge out of service, and as a matter of fact, the 4am retraction will take place before 4 and 5 in the morning. Traffic is flowing, and there is a control situation as it relates to laden trucks to ensure the weight at the damage section is minimal”.
The Minister said there is no need for an alarm or public outcry over the situation, as a full probe will be conducted.
The tug and barge that hit the two spans are still bracing the structure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and efforts will be made later this morning to remove them safely when there is a change in the tide.
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