Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Toll 2025: Becoming Toll-Free August Complete Guide
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Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Complete Guide
System: Manual toll collection (becoming toll-free August 2025)
Coverage: Single crossing between Wismar and Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
Technology: Manual collection system, single-lane traffic control
Operators: Linden Town Council and Linmine Secretariat
Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge? 2025 Update
Yes, you currently need to pay a toll to cross the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge - but this will end on August 1, 2025. President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the elimination of all bridge tolls in Guyana as part of a major infrastructure development initiative.
Key Reality: The current bridge charges $60 GYD for cars, providing $6 million monthly revenue to Linden Town Council. After August 2025, all crossings will be free while a new $35 million four-lane bridge is under construction.
2025 Update: New 220-meter four-lane bridge construction is in pile works phase, scheduled for completion April 2026. The 58-year-old current bridge will become toll-free before the replacement opens.
Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The bridge operates a simple manual toll system with fixed rates by vehicle type until August 1, 2025.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (Until August 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (GYD) | USD Equivalent | August 2025 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars and Minibuses | $60 | ~$0.29 | FREE |
| Motorcycles | Variable (Lower) | ~$0.15 | FREE |
| Motor Lorries/Trucks | Variable (Higher) | ~$0.50 | FREE |
| Cyclists and Pedestrians | FREE | $0.00 | FREE |
Bridge Operations (2025)
Current Bridge: Single-lane operation with manual traffic control system, built 1965-1967
New Bridge (2026): Four-lane concrete structure, 220 meters long, toll-free operation
How to Pay Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge Tolls
You can use the following methods to pay tolls until August 1, 2025:
1. Cash Payment:
- Guyanese Dollars: Primary payment method at toll booth
- Manual collection system with attendant
- Exact change recommended for faster processing
2. Traffic Control System:
- Single-lane alternating traffic pattern
- Manual signal control during peak hours
- Extended wait times common during rush periods
To calculate current and future toll costs for all vehicle types across Guyana bridges, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Elimination Announcement:
- August 1, 2025: All tolls on Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge to be eliminated
- Part of nationwide bridge toll elimination including Demerara and Berbice bridges
- Government taking over $6 million monthly revenue loss from Linden Town Council
New Bridge Construction:
- $35 million contract signed with China Railway Construction Corporation
- Pile works phase underway as of May 2025, scheduled completion April 2026
- Four-lane concrete design with 32m horizontal clearance, 11.5m vertical clearance
- 2-meter-wide sidewalks on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists
Strategic Infrastructure Development:
- Part of Georgetown-to-Lethem corridor connecting Guyana to Brazil
- Positioning Region 10 as logistics hub for Caribbean-Latin America trade
- Connection to 45 bridges being constructed on Linden-Lethem highway
Regional Toll Information
Guyana - Major Bridge Network Transformation:
- Demerara River Bridge - $200 GYD toll ending August 2025
- Berbice River Bridge - $1,900 GYD toll ending August 2025
- Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge - $60 GYD toll ending August 2025
- All new bridges to be constructed toll-free from opening
Linden Region Infrastructure:
- Current bridge: Critical connection between Wismar (west bank) and Mackenzie (east bank)
- Originally built for bauxite ore transportation from mines to processing facility
- Strategic location for Georgetown-Lethem highway corridor development
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Current tolls: $60 GYD (~$0.29 USD) for cars until August 1, 2025
- Post-August 2025: Zero toll costs for all vehicle types
- Major cost savings for daily commuters and regional transport
Traffic Considerations:
- Current bridge: Single-lane operation causes delays during peak periods
- Bridge length: Less than quarter mile but manual control causes bottlenecks
- 2026 improvements: Four-lane operation will eliminate traffic control delays
Alternative Routes:
- No alternative crossing currently available between Wismar and Mackenzie
- Bridge provides essential access to both regional hospitals
- Emergency services depend on bridge for inter-bank connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly will the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge become toll-free?
August 1, 2025. President Ali announced this date for all three major Guyana bridges (Demerara, Berbice, and Mackenzie-Wismar) to eliminate tolls simultaneously.
What happens if I don't pay the current toll?
Until August 2025, toll payment is required. The bridge operates manual collection, so payment is collected before crossing. The issue becomes moot after August 1 when tolls are eliminated.
Will the old bridge remain operational after the new one opens?
The current bridge dates from 1967 and has structural concerns. The new four-lane bridge (opening April 2026) will likely replace it entirely, though specific decommissioning plans haven't been announced.
How will the government replace the lost toll revenue?
The bridge provided $6 million monthly to Linden Town Council ($70+ million annually). The government is negotiating alternative funding arrangements with local authorities to maintain municipal services.
Is this bridge part of a larger infrastructure project?
Yes, it's a key component of the Georgetown-to-Lethem corridor connecting Guyana to Brazil, including 45 additional bridges on the Linden-Lethem highway for regional trade development.
Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge vs. Regional Crossings
| Crossing | Current System | Cost (GYD) | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge (Guyana) | Manual toll collection | $60 | Free from August 2025 |
| Takutu River Bridge (Guyana-Brazil) | No tolls | $0 | Remains free |
| Oyapock Bridge (Brazil-French Guiana) | No tolls | $0 | Remains free |
| Suriname Bridges | Mixed system | Varies | No major changes |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Demerara River Bridge - Major Georgetown-area crossing becoming toll-free
- Berbice River Bridge - Eastern Guyana crossing with highest current tolls
- Takutu River Bridge - International border crossing to Brazil
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to national bridge network
- Linden-Lethem Highway - Major corridor development project
Government Resources:
- Ministry of Public Works: Bridge construction updates and traffic information
- Linden Town Council: Current toll collection and bridge operations
- Linmine Secretariat: Bridge maintenance and structural oversight
