Less traffic congestion along West Bank/ West Coast route as contracts signed for 4-lane highway

Schoonard to Crane Highway, Region 3 (Photo: CHPA)

The Ministry of Housing and Water on Wednesday signed contracts to the tune of $11 billion for the construction of the Schoonard to Crane four-lane highway.

This highway is expected to ease traffic along the West Demerara corridor- which is known to be quite congested during peak hours.

Eight contractors were selected to undertake works on this highway of the 30 bids received.

They include VR Construction Inc., Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., L-Heureuse Construction and Services Inc, Guyamerica Construction Inc, AJM Enterprise, Vals Construction, Puran Bros. Disposal Inc, and JS Guyana Inc.

This highway will include two roundabouts, an emergency lane, as well as road signage and markings.

Additionally, several kilometres of roads will be upgraded and rehabilitated. This new piece of infrastructure will also feature 11 RC Box Culverts and 36 pre- stressed bridges.

Works are expected to start immediately, and the highway is expected to be completed within one year. This will complement the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal witnessed the signing of the contracts and charged the contractors to execute their work in a timely manner while ensuring the quality is up to standard.

“This four-lane highway will complement other projects in the Region […]. It is extremely important that you, as contractors commit fully to the task. Signing the contract today is just the start of this massive project. You must be ready to begin actual work on the ground, and you must focus your energy on delivering the highest quality of work.”

He added, “while the CEO provided a timeline for completion, be rest assured, we are expecting you to complete before time.”

Also present at the contract signing was Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwin Greaves, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally, and Omar Narine, the Director of Projects, among other officials.

The construction of the Schoonard to Crane four-lane highway was announced back in April by President Irfaan Ali.