The Public Works Ministry is urging commuters to ”expect delays and allow extra travel time” amid ongoing road works from Good Success to the Timehri Junction as part of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road Improvement Project. In a notice to the public, the Ministry explained that currently, extensive construction works are being undertaken in the Craig, New Hope, Friendship, Soesdyke and Timehri areas. Ongoing activities include excavation and road-widening works, installation of U-channel drainage, relocation of utilities and other associated activities. Additionally, full-depth road reconstruction requiring single-lane closure is currently being done at night in New Hope, Friendship and from Soesdyke Junction to Timehri Junction. In light of these developments, the Ministry said the speed limit has been reduced to 30 km/h in all construction zones. Commuters are also encouraged to obey all signs and instructions from traffic police and flaggers. They are also urged to proceed with caution and patience.

Most importantly, the Ministry advised commuters to ”plan your journey accordingly and leave early, as you should expect travel delays. ”

The EBD Road Improvement Project is a US$75.8 million infrastructure undertaking funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to upgrade and widen the corridor from Good Success to Timehri. It was divided into three sections to help minimise disruption and keep construction on schedule. Section A runs from Good Success to Supply; Section B continues from Supply to the Soesdyke Junction while Section C covers the stretch from Soesdyke to the Timehri Police Station. Undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate vital routes for efficient transportation. A notable feature of the project is the integration with the Soesdyke/Linden Highway through the construction of a roundabout, designed to facilitate smoother traffic transitions. The project entails the rehabilitation of 24 kilometres (km) of road, alongside the reconstruction and widening of over 58 bridges and culverts. The roadway will be upgraded to a two-lane highway, complete with enhanced safety features such as sidewalks and cycle lanes to cater to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.