Berbice Bridge Toll 2025: Becoming Toll-Free August 1 Complete Guide
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Berbice Bridge Complete Guide
System: Pontoon bridge toll collection (ending August 1, 2025)
Coverage: Berbice River crossing between New Amsterdam and Canje
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GY$)
Technology: Manual toll collection at bridge entrance
Operators: Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) - Government acquisition planned
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Berbice Bridge? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but not for much longer - Berbice Bridge tolls will be completely eliminated on August 1, 2025. Until then, you'll pay GY$1,900 for cars, making it Guyana's most expensive bridge crossing.
Key Reality: At GY$1,900 per car crossing (approximately US$9), the Berbice Bridge charges nearly 10 times more than the Demerara Harbour Bridge (GY$200) and over 30 times the Wismar Bridge (GY$60).
2025 Update: President Irfaan Ali announced on March 23, 2025, that all major bridges in Guyana will become toll-free from August 1, 2025, as part of the government's infrastructure development program funded by oil revenues.
Berbice Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The Berbice Bridge operates with the highest toll rates in Guyana, but these will be eliminated entirely in August 2025.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (Until August 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GY$) | USD Equivalent | From August 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & Light Vehicles | GY$1,900 | ~US$9.00 | FREE |
| Minibuses | GY$1,900+ | ~US$9.00+ | FREE |
| Heavy Vehicles/Trucks | GY$1,900+ | ~US$9.00+ | FREE |
| Motorcycles | Lower rate | Variable | FREE |
| Pedestrians | No crossing allowed | N/A | No crossing allowed |
Bridge Opening Schedule (Current Operations)
Daily Opening: Bridge opens for marine traffic 1.5 hours daily
Traffic Volume: 400,000 vehicles monthly (4.4 million annually in 2024)
How to Pay Berbice Bridge Tolls
Until August 1, 2025, you can use the following payment methods for Berbice Bridge tolls:
1. Cash Payment (Primary Method):
- Guyanese Dollars (GY$) accepted at toll booth
- Exact change recommended
- Payment required before crossing
2. Credit/Debit Cards:
- Limited availability at toll collection point
- Check with toll operator for current acceptance
3. Future Payment (August 1, 2025 onward):
- No payment required - completely toll-free
- Government subsidizes all bridge operations
- Free crossing for all vehicle types
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Guyana bridges, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll-Free Announcement:
- March 23, 2025: President Ali announces toll elimination from August 1, 2025
- Government budget allocation increased from GY$215.2 million to GY$1.015 billion for 2025
- Transition funded by oil revenues rather than loans or bonds
Government Acquisition:
- Negotiations ongoing for government acquisition of Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated
- Bridge operations will continue with existing employees during transition
- Government took control in 2018 after 360% toll increase attempt by private company
Infrastructure Development:
- New high-span four-lane Berbice River Bridge planned for future construction
- Financial proposals for new bridge expected to be reviewed by end of March 2025
- Current pontoon bridge to remain toll-free even after new bridge completion
Guyana Bridge Information
All Bridges Becoming Toll-Free August 1, 2025:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Currently GY$200, becoming free
- Berbice Bridge - Currently GY$1,900, becoming free
- Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge - Currently GY$60, becoming free
Bridge Specifications & History:
- Opened December 23, 2008 - Guyana's second major pontoon bridge after Demerara
- Connects New Amsterdam to Canje, linking eastern Guyana regions
- No pedestrian crossing allowed (vehicles only)
- Daily retraction schedule for marine vessel passage
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Until August 1, 2025: GY$1,900 per car crossing (~US$9)
- From August 1, 2025: Completely free for all vehicles
- Current cost makes it most expensive bridge in Guyana
Travel Planning:
- Check bridge opening schedule before travel (1.5 hours daily)
- No pedestrian access - vehicles only
- Increased traffic volume expected after toll elimination
Economic Impact:
- Toll elimination expected to boost regional tourism and trade
- Reduced transportation costs for goods and services
- Improved educational access between regions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Berbice Bridge really become toll-free?
Yes, President Ali officially announced on March 23, 2025, that all major Guyana bridges will be toll-free from August 1, 2025. The government has allocated GY$1.015 billion in the 2025 budget to support this transition.
Why is the Berbice Bridge toll so expensive?
The bridge is privately operated by Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated, and high tolls were set to recover construction and maintenance costs. At GY$1,900, it's nearly 10 times more expensive than the Demerara Bridge.
Can pedestrians cross the Berbice Bridge?
No, the Berbice Bridge does not allow pedestrian crossings. It's vehicles only, unlike the Demerara Harbour Bridge which has a pedestrian walkway.
How will the government pay for toll-free bridges?
The toll elimination is being funded through Guyana's oil revenues rather than loans or bonds. The government has significantly increased budget allocations to bridge companies to cover operational costs.
Will there be a new Berbice Bridge?
Yes, plans are underway for a new high-span four-lane Berbice River Bridge. Financial proposals are expected to be reviewed by end of March 2025, but the current bridge will remain toll-free even after the new bridge is built.
Berbice Bridge vs. Other Guyana Bridges
| Bridge | Current Toll (Cars) | USD Equivalent | From August 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berbice Bridge | GY$1,900 | ~US$9.00 | FREE |
| Demerara Harbour Bridge | GY$200 | ~US$1.00 | FREE |
| Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge | GY$60 | ~US$0.30 | FREE |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Guyana's first major pontoon bridge (1978)
- Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge - Linden bridge with GY$60 toll
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to all toll bridges in Guyana
- Suriname Toll Roads - Neighboring country bridge information
Official Resources:
- Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated: Official bridge operations
- Ministry of Public Works: Government infrastructure updates
- Guyana Public Information: Official government announcements
