The transformation of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is moving apace, with the US$161.3 million project now 62% complete overall. Crucially, paving along the 72 km corridor is currently the most advanced phase of the physical works.
Core paving works are entering their final stages and stand at 90% completion, bringing smoother, safer journeys a major step closer for commuters. Rehabilitation roadworks is now 98% complete, with just 1.05 km of road surface left to lay, while reconstruction roadworks stands at 93% complete, leaving only 1.9 km remaining. Additionally, the installation of curb and slipper drains is 87% complete, which will significantly improve roadside water management.
A major feature of the new highway layout is the introduction of two new roundabouts designed to improve traffic flow and safety. This component has reached the halfway mark, with construction at the Millie’s Hideout intersection in Linden successfully completed, while teams are currently adjusting and refining the design at the Soesdyke Junction to guarantee a seamless, safe connection between the highway and the Timehri road.
Essential drainage and water management works are also progressing steadily at 52% completion to ensure the highway’s long-term durability against the elements. Alongside these works, the installation of modern highway lighting has officially begun. Recognizing that night-time visibility is a critical concern for drivers along the unlit corridor, the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has directly engaged the project’s contractors to aggressively push forward the illumination timeline. He emphasized that the safety of the travelling public remains the Ministry’s absolute priority and that immediately lighting up finished sections of the road will drastically reduce hazards for night-time commuters. A total of 700 lampposts are already safely on-site—representing 51.4% of the required inventory—with the remaining half currently being manufactured.
While the newly paved sections offer a vastly smoother ride, the Ministry issues a strong appeal to all motorists to resist the temptation to speed. The entire 72 km corridor remains an active construction zone with heavy machinery, changing road layouts, and ground crews operating daily. Reckless driving, tailgating, and overtaking pose a severe threat not only to the lives of the workers completing this project but also to fellow commuters. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, adhere strictly to temporary speed limits, and remain patient while these final, critical works are completed.
The Ministry of Public Works extends its sincere thanks to the travelling public and the communities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway for their continued patience and cooperation.
As crews enter the final stretch of major road paving this month, the Ministry emphasizes that these vital structural updates—ranging from enhanced drainage systems to new steel pedestrian bridges—will ultimately deliver a safer, more resilient highway built to serve Guyana.
The Ministry remains fully committed to keeping citizens updated as works progress.
Source: Ministry of Public Works
