New Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge 97% complete; connector roads advancing

Works on the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, Region Ten, have reached 97 per cent completion, according to an update from the Ministry of Public Works.

The progress report was provided to Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill during a site visit on March 6, during which he met with the technical teams and contractors involved in the project.

During the visit, Edghill held a multi-stakeholder meeting with representatives from China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd., GuyCo Construction Inc., and the consultancy firm Politecnica, along with engineers and technical staff from the ministry.

The minister and project officials also conducted an on-site walkthrough of the 233-metre-long concrete bridge, where concrete works are now 97 per cent complete. The inspection also covered the secondary connections leading to and from the bridge.

According to a project briefing, works on the western end of the project on the Wismar side, including the West Watooka Connector and the Dacoura Haul Roads, are currently 33 per cent complete. Subgrade preparation, subbase, crusher run base and curbing for these roads have already been fully completed.

Foundation works for a new roundabout on that side have also been finished, with curbing currently at 50 per cent. Meanwhile, construction on the Burnham Drive approach is progressing with subsurface works at 38 per cent and curbing at 39 per cent, while culvert works are ongoing.

On the eastern end of the bridge, construction is about 27 per cent complete, covering foundation and retaining structures. So far, approximately 3,750 prefabricated vertical drains have been installed and geotextiles laid, while contractors continue placing white sand and crushed stone as part of the subsurface works.

A new culvert has also been installed at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht. Construction is currently underway for the retaining wall of the main embankment, with excavation and geotextile installation completed and backfilling in progress to prepare the area for final surfacing.

The ministry said the project remains on track to be fully operational by June 2026, once the connector roads are completed.

When finished, the toll-free crossing will include two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways, modern lighting, and new roundabouts on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge.

The Ministry of Public Works said the project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in Region Ten and support the development of Linden and the surrounding communities.