The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is considering funding for a feasibility study for the Demerara River crossing which will consider as an option, the replacing of the 1978 floating steel bridge with a high span, permanent structure.
The Bank is looking to make available US$2.4M under the US$35M New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek road rehabilitation project for this study, as well as for the detailed designs for an alternative southern entrance into the city from Timehri. A feasibility study is already well underway for the latter and is being done by ND Lea. That study began in April.
According to the detailed project profile on the road rehabilitation project, which is up for board approval in January, the Harbour Bridge has no proper collision protection and the daily retraction causes major delays and congestion.
The proposal says the cost of operating the bridge is US$1.1M but revenues are US$1M and are insufficient to offset the next round of major maintenance activities scheduled in 2005. The bridge had been built initially for 10 years, and rehabilitative works done in 1995 sought to expand its life by 15 years, which will be up in 2010. It is estimated than 8,400 vehicles cross the bridge each day.
The feasibility study as well as an environmental impact assessment are to be undertaken for the new crossing with a location based on the technical, economic and environmental analysis.
In the case of the southern entrance into the city, the proposal notes that the existing two-lane main road carries over 18,000 vehicles per day, with 8% of these heavy vehicles, and suffers from high levels of congestion. This road is the only link to the international airport. The feasibility study underway will determine the best alternative for the approach and includes conceptual designs, an environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan and a resettlement plan. Inclusion of the detailed designs for the alternative entrance will be contingent upon the findings of the feasibility study.