Guyana is set to advance key transport infrastructure projects in 2026, with a total of $196.1 billion allocated for roads and bridges.
Presenting Budget 2026 in the National Assembly on Monday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighted both ongoing projects and new initiatives slated for advancement this year:
- Highways and major road expansions: $28.6 billion to continue the Heroes Highway from Buzz Bee Dam to Land of Canaan; $13 billion for the Ogle to Eccles Highway extension to Diamond; $6.1 billion for the Railway Embankment four-lane highway from Sheriff Street to Mahaica River Bridge, with the next phase from Mahaica to D’Edward commencing in 2026; $13.1 billion to continue the Soesdyke to Linden Highway; $10.4 billion to complete the Linden to Mabura Hill Road; and $7.6 billion to commence the Mabura Hill to Kurupukari Road.
- New four-lane highway projects: $15.1 billion for advancement of the Palmyra to Moleson Creek highway, and $6.5 billion for the Parika to Goshen route and the Sand Hills to Makouria link.
- Bridge construction and upgrades: $12.2 billion for new bridges at Berbice and Kurupukari, completion of the Wismar bridge, and continued collaboration with Suriname on the Corentyne River Bridge.
- Community and hinterland roads: $40.2 billion for construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of community roads and drains; $10 billion for hinterland road works in Achiwib, Central Rupununi, Kaburi, Karisparu, Rupertee, and Shea.
Dr. Singh emphasised safety and network durability as key priorities in 2026, including:
- Automated speed enforcement: $382.9 million for a Safe Road Intelligent System with cameras and radar for real-time offence detection and automated fines.
- Speed regulators and truck parking: Installation of 8,000 auto control speed devices on trucks, and development of dedicated large-vehicle parking facilities starting in Grove for over 390 trucks.
- Weight control and enforcement: Expansion of weigh-in-motion scales and clamps to maintain structural integrity and regulate heavy truck limits.
The 2026 transport budget aims to integrate main population centres, ease congestion, improve commute times, and open up new productive lands, while supporting industrial, agricultural, and regional trade growth.
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