Govt Explores Connector Road Options Ahead of Demerara Harbour Bridge Commissioning
By Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News
With the new Demerara Harbour Bridge set to be commissioned by the end of September, government ministers are now turning their attention to the urgent need for connector roads to ease traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor.
Despite earlier decisions for a roundabout linking the Heroes Highway to the new bridge, it has since been revealed that plans are still being finalized. The Ministries of Public Works and Housing and Water are exploring several alignment options to connect Providence to the Ogle–Eccles Highway.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, explained during a site visit that the new connector road will play a key role in minimizing traffic disruption and delays:
“We are continuing the road to Providence, so that there could be a smooth connection from that highway to this highway.”
Minister Edghill admitted that with rapid development along the East Bank corridor, a connector road had become necessary but was overlooked in earlier planning. Without it, the new bridge risks creating traffic bottlenecks on the Heroes Highway.
Housing Minister Collin Croal added that the government is exploring multiple options, including passage through parts of the Providence community, while ensuring minimal inconvenience to residents.
“This is very important, not only because of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge that will soon come into being, but also as part of the opening up of other road highways and linkages,” Croal stated.
The new connector road is expected to function similarly to the Haags Bosch roundabout system, creating smoother transitions and additional road networks. For now, commuters await clarity on whether the connector will be completed in tandem with the new bridge’s opening.
