Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill is appealing to persons using the new Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge to exercise more caution and consideration, and not panic.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Minister Edghill said that the traffic build-up on the western end of the bridge this morning might have been due to uncertainty.

Along with traffic officers of Regions Three and Four, he has assured that systems are in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, but noted that the onus is on the drivers to correctly use the road.

“There is absolutely no need for panic, and I think this morning we had a little panic issue in as much as I kept saying that the Bridge will become operational immediately, people still felt that they had to go to the old Demerara River Bridge and they wouldn’t get to the new Bridge. We are asking for patience, we are asking for consideration and we are asking for responsible behaviour,” the Minister said.

He said the incomplete approach road for the bridge on the west side should be completed within a few weeks. It was also announced that West Bank traffic from the Wales area will have to now fully use the roundabout.

Additionally, the Minister made clear that there will be no closing off of any-lane on any side of the bridge during peak-hours, adding that the bridge in its current form can accommodate the traffic at any given time without closing off lanes, as was previously the case with the old bridge. The Minister also noted that there will be no priority lanes.

“The bridge will not be closed for two-lane traffic like what used to happen with the old bridge, the bridge will see a continual flow of traffic uninterrupted, there will be no stoppage of traffic in the morning or in the afternoon. W have moved from a two-lane bridge to a four-lane bridge”, Mr. Edghill said.

One of the main issues Mr. Edghill highlighted, is the incorrect use of the roundabouts by many drivers which most times lead to bottlenecks. He said while the Police would not be managing the traffic at the roundabouts, there will be Police presence to observe the use of the roundabouts by drivers.

“Just use the road in keeping with the rules, the speed limits and the roundabouts. You may have some amount slow movement during peak at the roundabout but everybody will keep moving and the police will not be blocking traffic anymore at the roundabout, so the roundabouts will be allowed to flow. But if you misuse the roundabout, the police will be there,” Mr. Edghill warned.

Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Singh, also urged caution on the roadways and also remind drivers of the standard set out while using the roundabouts.

The Traffic chief warned of consequences for drivers who deliberately drive in a manner that hampers the smooth flow of traffic to the new river crossing.

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