Chongqing - The new Demerara River Bridge, designed by the Chongqing-based company TYLin, is a major infrastructure project in Guyana. 

It will open in September, significantly improving local connectivity, reducing travel times, and supporting economic development. The bridge will showcase Chinese expertise in global infrastructure projects.

The visual of the new Demerara River Bridge in Guyana. (Photo/Chongqing Liangjiang New Area)

After the Chinese New Year holidays, Li Ruichao, General Manager of the Overseas Development Department at T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting（China）Co., Ltd., also known as TYLin, a company based in Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, returned to work early to focus on the design of the new Demerara River Bridge project in Guyana.

“This is TYLin’s first large-scale bridge design project in South America and the largest infrastructure project in Guyana. The bridge is expected to open in September this year,” Li shared. Currently, 80%-90% of the design and consultation work has been completed.

Guyana, located in northern South America, is building the new Demerara River Bridge near its capital, Georgetown. The bridge, which spans approximately 2.8 kilometers, will significantly shorten travel times between the riverbanks by 75%, double the number of ships passing through, and greatly reduce daily maintenance costs.

Previously, a 1978-built floating bridge was used about 600 meters north of the new bridge site. Due to its limited navigation capacity, the old bridge had to be opened for 1 to 2 hours daily to allow vessels to pass. Maintenance would often cause hours-long traffic disruptions, hampering the local economy.

In 2022, TYLin officially took on the design and consultation responsibilities for the new bridge. The design features a striking structure that resembles a “giant python” crossing the river. It creates not only an iconic landmark but also a vital link between the two riverbanks for economic development.

“We took into full account the local cultural and historical context, aiming to improve both the city’s image and overall traffic efficiency while addressing the region’s economic needs,” Li said. TYLin integrated ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the design and provided innovative cost-control strategies and integrated problem-solving solutions for the contractor and local government.

TYLin specializes in the integrated design and consultation of transportation infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and railways. The company has participated in numerous international projects, including the Singapore Jurong Region Line and the Bangladesh Payra Port Bridge, continuing to showcase “Chinese solutions” and “Chinese wisdom” in global infrastructure.

This major bridge project reflects the growing influence of Chongqing-based TYLin in international infrastructure and its ability to meet global challenges with cutting-edge designs and sustainable solutions.

(Tang Qin, a reporter from Chongqing Daily, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)