Press Release: Commissioning of the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge
The Ministry of Public Works is pleased to announce that the New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, will be officially commissioned by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the bridge site in Linden.
The bridge is substantially completed and has been formally handed over to the Ministry of Public Works. The new crossing replaces the single-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge commissioned in 1967, which for decades allowed traffic to move in only one direction at a time and had become a major bottleneck for residents, commuters and commerce.
Features of the New Bridge
Constructed at a cost of US$35 million, the new bridge is a modern, durable structure designed to serve Linden and the hinterland for generations. Its key features include:
• A 224-metre prestressed, post-tensioned concrete box girder superstructure spanning the Demerara River at Linden.
• Four vehicular lanes, replacing the existing single-lane crossing.
• Two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
• A maximum horizontal navigational clearance of 36 metres and a vertical clearance of 10 metres, allowing vessels to continue navigating the river.
• Modern street lighting along the full length of the bridge for safe night-time travel.
• Toll-free use for all motorists and pedestrians, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to the people of Linden.
Approach Roads and Connections
The bridge is complemented by new eastern and western approach roads that tie it into the Linden- Soesdyke Highway, the Linden-Mabura Road and the wider national road network. Features include:
• Four-lane approach roads with medians, traffic islands and curbing.
• A modern roundabout at each end of the bridge, on the eastern (Mackenzie) and western (Wismar) banks, to manage traffic safely and efficiently.
• On the western (Wismar) side, the West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads, together with the Burnham Drive approach.
• On the eastern (Mackenzie) side, an embankment built on improved foundations with prefabricated vertical drains, geotextiles and retaining structures, and a new culvert at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht.
• New drainage culverts and road lighting along the approaches.
Project Team
The works were executed under the oversight of the Ministry of Public Works by the following:
The Ministry extends its appreciation to the contractors, consultants, engineers and workers whose dedication brought this project to completion.
A Transformative Investment for Linden and Guyana
The New Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will end the long delays of the one-lane crossing and allow the free, safe and simultaneous flow of traffic between Mackenzie and Wismar.
It strengthens the vital corridor to the hinterland via the Linden-Mabura Road and the Linden-Lethem Road, supporting commerce, mining, agriculture, tourism and the daily lives of thousands of residents. The bridge stands as another milestone in the Government of Guyana’s programme of transformative infrastructure, delivered for the people of Guyana.
Public Invitation
The general public, and in particular the residents of Linden and Region Ten, are cordially invited to join His Excellency President Ali and the Ministry of Public Works at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate this historic achievement together.
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