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Guyana Toll Roads 2025: Bridge Tolls Being Abolished
System: Bridge tolls (being phased out)
Operator: Government of Guyana / Private bridge companies
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Coverage: 3 major bridges across rivers
Major Change: All tolls abolished from August 1, 2025
Revolutionary Change: All Bridge Tolls Abolished August 1, 2025
Historic Announcement: President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced in March 2025 that all bridge tolls in Guyana will be completely abolished effective August 1, 2025. This makes Guyana the first country in the region to eliminate toll charges entirely.
Affected Bridges:
- Berbice River Bridge - Currently GY$1,900 for cars
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Currently GY$200 for cars
- Wismar Bridge - Currently GY$60 for cars
Government Investment: GY$1.015 billion allocated in 2025 budget to subsidize bridge operations and implement toll-free travel.
Current Toll Rates (Until August 1, 2025)
Bridge tolls are still in effect until the August 1 abolition date.
Active Bridge Toll Rates (Until July 31, 2025)
| Bridge | Cars | Motorcycles | Minibuses | Motor Lorries | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berbice River Bridge | GY$1,900 | GY$40 | GY$200 | GY$700 | Between Regions 5 & 6 |
| Demerara Harbour Bridge | GY$200 | GY$40 | GY$200 | GY$700 | Georgetown to West Demerara |
| Wismar Bridge | GY$60 | GY$40 | GY$60 | GY$200 | Wismar-Mackenzie, Region 10 |
Exchange Rate: Approximately GY$209 = US$1 (rates fluctuate)
Major Infrastructure Projects
New Demerara River Bridge
- Investment: US$260 million
- Constructor: China Railway Construction International Limited
- Supervision: Italian firm Politecnica
- Length: 2.65 kilometers
- Features: Cable-stay structure, 50-meter clearance, 4 lanes
- Status: Under construction, completion expected 2026
- Toll Policy: Will be toll-free from opening
New Berbice River Bridge
- Status: Planned modern replacement
- Design: Similar to new Demerara River Bridge
- Toll Policy: Will be toll-free from opening
Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge
- Status: Reconstruction underway
- Toll Policy: Will be toll-free upon completion
Regional Context & Economic Impact
Traffic Volume
- Demerara Harbour Bridge: 20,000+ commuters daily
- Weekend traffic: Significantly higher volumes
- Economic benefit: Reduced transportation costs for businesses and consumers
Government Rationale
President Ali stated: We are bridging the hearts and minds of every Guyanese. We are bridging every community, and we are doing it free of cost.
Economic Benefits:
- Reduced cost of consumer goods
- Lower operational costs for private sector
- Improved competitiveness and productivity
- Enhanced connectivity between regions
Guyana vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana | Bridge tolls (ending Aug 2025) | 3 major bridges | Abolishing all tolls | Revolutionary free bridge policy |
| Suriname | Limited tolls | Few toll points | Minimal toll infrastructure | Focus on ferry crossings |
| Brazil | Distance-based tolls | Major highways | Extensive toll network | Private concessions |
| French Guiana | No tolls | All roads free | French overseas territory | EU infrastructure standards |
| Venezuela | Limited tolls | Selected highways | Economic challenges | Infrastructure maintenance issues |
Bridge Operations & Schedules
Current Operating Information
Berbice River Bridge:
- Website: berbicebridge.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/BBCI2008
- Opening Schedule: 1.5 hours for river traffic
- Type: Privately owned (government acquiring)
Demerara Harbour Bridge:
- Website: harbourbridge.gov.gy
- Facebook: facebook.com/HarbourBridgeGY
- Type: Government operated
- Alternative: New bridge will supplement capacity
Wismar Bridge:
- Location: Connects Wismar to Mackenzie in Region 10
- Importance: Gateway to Regions 7, 8, and 9
- Type: Government operated
Cross-Border Connections
International Bridge Connections
Takutu River Bridge (Brazil-Guyana):
- Location: Connects Lethem, Guyana to Bonfim, Brazil
- Official Name: Prefeito Olavo Brasil Filho Bridge
- Status: Operational, no tolls
- Significance: Only land crossing between Guyana and Brazil
Regional Isolation:
- No direct land connections to Suriname (river crossing required)
- No bridge to French Guiana (separated by rivers)
- Limited regional road network due to Amazon rainforest
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly do bridge tolls end?
All bridge tolls in Guyana will be completely abolished starting August 1, 2025, as announced by President Ali.
Will the new bridges also be toll-free?
Yes, all new bridges including the new Demerara River Bridge and new Berbice River Bridge will be toll-free from opening.
How is the government funding bridge operations without tolls?
The government allocated GY$1.015 billion in the 2025 budget to subsidize bridge operations and implement toll-free travel.
Do I need to pay tolls for the Takutu River Bridge to Brazil?
No, the Takutu River Bridge connecting Guyana to Brazil has always been toll-free.
Will bridge opening schedules change after tolls are removed?
Bridge opening schedules for river traffic will continue as normal, with information available on respective bridge websites and social media pages.
Can I still use the old bridges after new ones are built?
Yes, existing bridges will continue operating alongside new infrastructure to handle increased traffic capacity.
How does this compare to other countries in the region?
Guyana is the first country in the Guianas region to completely eliminate bridge and road tolls, making it unique in South America.
Travel Planning Information
Current Travel (Until August 1, 2025)
- Budget for tolls: GY$2,160 maximum for cars using all three bridges
- Payment methods: Cash payments at toll booths
- Peak times: Expect higher traffic on weekends
Post-August 1, 2025 Travel
- Zero toll costs: All bridge crossings completely free
- Improved traffic flow: No stopping for toll payments
- Economic benefit: Significant savings for regular commuters
Regional Connectivity
- Georgetown access: Free bridge crossing enhances capital connectivity
- Interior regions: Improved access to Regions 7, 8, 9 via toll-free Wismar Bridge
- Economic corridors: Enhanced trade routes between coastal and interior regions
Useful Links & Resources
- Berbice River Bridge Information
- Demerara Harbour Bridge Information
- Bridge Schedules: Available at agriculture.gov.gy/bridge-schedules/
- Government Updates: Follow official government announcements for construction progress
