Georgetown, Guyana – Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has instructed contractors to accelerate construction on the Sussex Street extension project, stressing that the new roadway must be completed in time for Christmas to allow motorists to begin using the route.
The minister issued the directive during a site visit on Tuesday, November 10, where he inspected ongoing works and urged the engineering teams and contractors to ensure that the project stays on schedule.
He emphasised that the road must be accessible to the public before the Christmas season, noting that the new connection is expected to provide an important alternative route through Georgetown.
New Road to Connect Sussex Street with Mandela Avenue
The Sussex Street extension is designed to connect Sussex Street directly to Mandela Avenue, creating an alternative east-west corridor through the capital.
The new connection is expected to ease traffic congestion in central Georgetown, particularly for motorists travelling towards the East Coast of Demerara and Berbice.
Drivers will be able to access Mandela Avenue without having to navigate some of the city’s busiest streets, improving traffic movement and reducing pressure on existing road networks.
Five Concrete Bridges and Drainage Infrastructure Included
The project involves several major infrastructure components designed to improve road safety, accessibility and drainage.
These include:
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Construction of five concrete bridges.
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Installation of concrete drainage systems.
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Development of pedestrian walkways.
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Parking facilities on both sides of the roadway.
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Widening and upgrading of the existing road corridor.
The increased traffic along Sussex Street following upgrades to Cemetery Road and Independence Boulevard prompted the Ministry of Public Works to pursue the expansion and extension of the roadway.
Three Contractors Executing Different Sections
The project has been divided into three sections, with separate contractors responsible for executing the works.
Eagles Eye Construction is handling the section from Saffon Street to St Stephen Street, while JS Engineering Service and Supplies is responsible for the stretch between St Stephen Street and Cemetery Road.
Sherriff Construction is undertaking the final section connecting Cemetery Road to Mandela Avenue.
Minister Edghill urged all contractors to accelerate their respective assignments and maintain coordination with the engineering teams to meet the Christmas deadline.
Government Seeks to Reduce Georgetown Traffic Congestion
The Sussex Street extension forms part of the Government’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at improving road connectivity and reducing traffic congestion across Georgetown.
Once completed, the roadway is expected to provide motorists with another option for travelling across the city, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.
Minister Edghill reiterated that the project must be completed within the stipulated timeframe so that residents and motorists can begin benefiting from the new route during the Christmas season.