Harbour Bridge fully operational

Georgetown, GINA, July 26, 2012 -- Source - GINA

The Section of the Harbour Bridge that was submerged

Just three days after a mishap which saw the jaws of a temporary pontoon failing, resulting in the section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge between span 60 an 61 submerging, the maintenance team successful completed restoration works to restore normalcy at the structure.

The 6,074 foot or 1.851 -mile long floating toll bridge which is about 34 years old serves as a crucial link for transporting of goods and services on an efficient and effective basis.

Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn in an invited comment expressed gratitude for the varying personnel who assisted in their capacities to assist.

“I thank - the GM, Engineers, Staff and workers who worked extremely hard to bring the facility back into service so soon after the mishap, MARAD for their efforts in organising water taxis for persons to get across the Demerara River at night and ensuring the safety of passengers, ” Minister Benn said.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge this afternoon

General Manager of the Bridge, Rawlston Adams since the mishap occurred, explained that maintenance team was in the vicinity executing works, and on Sunday last, installed a temporary pontoon, however the jaws of the pontoon failed, causing it to take in water and  sink.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) responded by issuing water taxis with temporary approval to install navigational lights so that they could have provided a 24 hr service.

A truck fetching sand makes its way across the bridge, testimony of the valiant efforts of the maintenance team

Many commuters today were happy that the bridge, the  main conduit between Regions Three and Four was restored to normal service and underlined its importance in their daily existence.