Corentyne River Bridge 2025: Construction Status & Future Toll Plans Complete Guide
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Corentyne River Bridge Complete Guide
System: Under construction (Toll system to be determined)
Coverage: Moleson Creek, Guyana to South Drain, Suriname (1.1 km bridge)
Currency: To be determined (likely USD/GYD/SRD)
Technology: Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO) model planned
Operators: China Road & Bridge Corporation (Constructor), PPP operator TBD
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Corentyne River Bridge? 2025 Update
The Corentyne River Bridge is currently under construction and not yet operational. When completed (expected 2027-2028), tolls will likely be charged as part of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) financing model to recover the US$236 million construction cost.
Current Reality: Travelers must use the Canawaima Ferry between Moleson Creek and South Drain, costing $15-20 USD per person. The bridge will eliminate this ferry requirement and provide 24/7 road connectivity.
2025 Update: China Road & Bridge Corporation awarded construction contract in December 2024. Construction timeline estimated at 3 years with completion by 2027-2028. Toll rates and collection system still under study.
Corentyne River Crossing Costs: Current vs. Future
Compare current ferry costs with projected bridge tolls once construction is complete.
Current Ferry Costs vs. Projected Bridge Tolls (2025)
| Transport Type | Current Ferry Cost | Projected Bridge Toll | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers (foot) | $15-20 USD | TBD | Ferry operates 3x weekly |
| Cars/Light Vehicles | $25-30 USD + passenger fees | Under study | Bridge will allow 24/7 access |
| Motorcycles | $25 USD + rider fee | TBD | Vehicle + rider combined pricing |
| Trucks/Commercial | $40+ USD + driver fees | Distance/weight-based expected | 47,000 DWT ship clearance planned |
| Frequency | 3x weekly (limited schedule) | 24/7 availability | Major improvement in connectivity |
Bridge Specifications (Under Construction)
Length: 1.1 kilometers (22 spans of 50 meters each)
Design: High bridge with 100m horizontal clearance, 43m vertical clearance
Capacity: 2 lanes (3 lanes during emergencies), 100-year lifespan
How to Pay for Corentyne River Crossing
Payment methods for crossing the Corentyne River depend on the current ferry service and future bridge toll system:
1. Current Ferry Payment (2025):
- Cash payment at ferry terminal (USD, GYD, or SRD accepted)
- One-way tickets: $15 USD | Round-trip: $20 USD (valid 30 days)
- Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday departures at 10:30 AM
- Check-in required 6:30-8:00 AM
2. Planned Bridge Toll System (2027-2028):
- Electronic toll collection system (under design)
- 24/7 operation with automated payment
- Multiple currency options likely (USD/GYD/SRD)
- Public-Private Partnership revenue model
To plan your crossing and calculate current ferry costs between Guyana and Suriname, use TollGuru route calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Construction Contract Award:
- December 2024: China Road & Bridge Corporation selected as constructor
- Contract value: US$236.17 million (beat Ballast Nedam's $325.4M bid)
- Construction timeline: 3 years (completion 2027-2028)
- Financing: 50-50 split between Guyana and Suriname governments
Project Development:
- Feasibility study completed by WSP Caribbean (US$2M, 2022)
- Chinese government approached for concessional financing
- Presidents Ali (Guyana) and Santokhi (Suriname) seeking strategic dialogue with China
Current Ferry Service:
- MV Canawaima operates 3x weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- 30-minute crossing time between Moleson Creek and South Drain
- Immigration and customs processing required at both terminals
Regional Border Crossing Information
Guyana-Suriname Border - Only Legal Crossing:
- Moleson Creek (Guyana) to South Drain (Suriname) ferry terminal
- Current crossing: 30 minutes by ferry, 3x weekly schedule
- Future bridge: 24/7 road connectivity, 3-minute crossing time
- Requirements: Valid passport, yellow fever certificate, Suriname e-visa
Regional Connectivity Impact:
- Will connect Georgetown (Guyana) to Paramaribo (Suriname) by road
- Links to planned Brazil highway network expansion
- Economic corridor for oil, agriculture, and mining industries
- Tourism enhancement between Caribbean and South American regions
Planning Your Journey
Current Ferry Travel (2025-2027):
- Total cost: $15-20 USD per person + ground transport ($20-25 Georgetown to ferry)
- Schedule: Limited to 3 crossings per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Journey time: 8-10 hours total Georgetown to Paramaribo
- Documents: Passport, yellow fever certificate, Suriname e-visa required
Future Bridge Travel (2027-2028+):
- 24/7 availability with 3-minute bridge crossing
- Estimated bridge toll: Under study (likely distance-based)
- Journey time: 4-5 hours total Georgetown to Paramaribo
- Enhanced trade and tourism connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Corentyne River Bridge open?
Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with completion by 2027-2028. The 3-year construction timeline depends on final financing arrangements and ground conditions.
Will the bridge charge tolls?
Yes, tolls are expected as part of the Public-Private Partnership financing model to recover the US$236 million construction cost. Toll rates and collection methods are still under study.
How do I cross now while the bridge is under construction?
Use the MV Canawaima ferry service operating Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 10:30 AM. Cost is $15-20 USD per person with vehicle fees additional.
Will the ferry continue after the bridge opens?
The ferry service will likely be discontinued once the bridge becomes operational, as the bridge will provide superior 24/7 connectivity with faster crossing times.
What documents do I need to cross?
Valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and Suriname e-visa (for most nationalities). These requirements will remain the same for the future bridge crossing.
Corentyne vs. Regional River Crossings
| River Crossing | Current Method | Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corentyne River (Guyana-Suriname) | Ferry service | $15-20 USD | Bridge under construction |
| Suriname-French Guiana | Ferry/boat service | €10-15 | No bridge planned |
| Guyana-Brazil | Takutu River Bridge | No toll | Operational since 2009 |
| Brazil Regional Rivers | Various bridges/ferries | R$5-50 | Mixed toll/free system |
Useful Links & Resources
Regional Border Information:
- Guyana Road Network - Complete guide to Guyanese transportation
- Suriname Transportation - Road and ferry systems in Suriname
- Brazil Border Crossings - Connection to South American highway network
- French Guiana Access - Regional connectivity information
Official Resources:
- Guyana Ministry of Public Works: Bridge construction updates
- Suriname Ministry of Public Works: Project development information
- Canawaima Ferry Service: Current ferry schedules and booking
- China Road & Bridge Corporation: Construction contractor updates
Travel Requirements:
- Suriname e-visa application: vfsglobal.com
- Yellow fever vaccination requirements (WHO certificate)
- Current ferry schedules and reservation information
- Border crossing documentation and procedures
