Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge Toll 2025: Going Toll-Free August Complete Guide
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Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge Complete Guide
System: Manual toll collection (until August 2025, then toll-free)
Coverage: Single-lane bridge connecting Wismar & Mackenzie, Linden
Currency: Guyanese Dollar (GY$)
Technology: Manual traffic control system
Operators: Linden Town Council (Linmine Secretariat monitoring)
Do I Need to Pay Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge Toll? 2025 Update
Currently yes, but not for much longer. The Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge charges GY$60 for vehicles until August 1, 2025, when President Ali's announcement makes the bridge toll-free. Pedestrians and cyclists already cross free of charge.
Key Reality: This historic single-lane bridge (built 1967) creates traffic bottlenecks requiring manual traffic control. The toll removal will save commuters approximately GY$72,000 annually while a new US$35 million four-lane bridge is under construction.
2025 Update: Tolls end August 1, 2025, as part of President Ali's initiative to remove tolls from all three major Guyana bridges. New bridge construction progressing with April 2026 completion target.
Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
The bridge operates a simple manual toll system with fixed rates until the August 2025 elimination.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Current Rate (until Aug 1) | Rate from Aug 1, 2025 | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars & Minibuses | GY$60 | GY$0 (Free) | ~GY$72,000 |
| Motorcycles | Varies by category | GY$0 (Free) | Varies |
| Lorries & Trucks | Varies by size | GY$0 (Free) | Significant savings |
| Pedestrians | GY$0 (Free) | GY$0 (Free) | Already free |
| Cyclists | GY$0 (Free) | GY$0 (Free) | Already free |
Bridge Revenue Impact (2025)
Monthly Revenue: GY$6 million (US$28,700 approximately)
Annual Revenue: GY$72+ million (US$344,000+ approximately)
Budget Impact: Represents significant portion of Linden Town Council's annual budget
How to Pay Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge Tolls
You can use the following payment methods until August 1, 2025:
1. Cash Payment (Only Method):
- Guyanese Dollars (GY$) only
- Manual toll collection at bridge approach
- No electronic payment systems available
- Exact change recommended
2. Traffic Control System:
- Single-lane bridge requires manual traffic direction
- Wait times during peak hours (significant bottlenecks)
- Traffic light system controls vehicle flow
- Emergency vehicle priority access
To calculate toll costs and travel expenses across Guyana, use TollGuru Guyana toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Elimination Announcement:
- March 24, 2025: President Ali announces toll removal effective August 1, 2025
- Part of national initiative eliminating tolls on Berbice, Demerara, and Wismar bridges
- Linden Town Council expresses financial concerns over lost revenue
New Bridge Construction:
- US$35 million new four-lane bridge under construction
- 220-meter length with 32m horizontal clearance, 11.5m vertical clearance
- Two-meter sidewalks on both sides, completion expected April 2026
- Pile works phase ongoing as of May 2025
Local Government Impact:
- Linden Mayor and Town Council seek government consultation on budget impact
- Alternative funding sources needed to replace GY$72+ million annual toll revenue
- Questions about new bridge management and maintenance responsibilities
Guyana Bridge/Regional Information
Guyana Major Bridges - All Going Toll-Free August 2025:
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Currently GY$200 for cars, going toll-free
- Berbice River Bridge - Currently GY$1,900 for cars, going toll-free
- Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge - Currently GY$60 for cars, going toll-free
International Connections:
- Takutu River Bridge - Toll-free connection to Brazil (Lethem-Bonfim)
- Proposed Courantyne River Bridge - Future connection to Suriname
Bridge Infrastructure Context:
- Historic bridge originally served railroad cars for bauxite transportation until 2006
- Single-lane bottleneck creates significant traffic delays during peak hours
- Serves both hospitals in Region 10, creating emergency access challenges
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Current tolls: GY$60 per crossing until August 1, 2025
- After August 1: Completely toll-free crossing
- Daily commuters save approximately GY$200 per working day
Traffic Planning:
- Single-lane bridge requires traffic light control system
- Peak hour delays common - plan extra travel time
- New four-lane bridge will eliminate bottlenecks by April 2026
Regional Context:
- Connects Georgetown-Linden-Lethem corridor to Brazil
- Critical link for interior trade and transportation
- Part of broader infrastructure development for regional integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge tolls completely?
Currently no alternative exists for vehicle crossing between Wismar and Mackenzie. However, tolls will be eliminated August 1, 2025, making this question moot. Pedestrians and cyclists already cross free.
What happens if I don't pay the bridge toll?
Manual toll collection means you cannot cross without payment. The toll booth operates a physical barrier system requiring payment before crossing is permitted.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge?
Yes, motorcycles pay reduced tolls based on vehicle category until August 1, 2025. After that date, all vehicles cross free of charge.
When will the new bridge be completed?
The new US$35 million four-lane bridge is expected to be completed by April 2026. It will feature modern design with 32m horizontal clearance and dedicated sidewalks.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all vehicle operators pay the same toll rates regardless of nationality. The bridge operates a simple fixed-rate system for all users.
Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge vs. Regional Bridges
| Bridge | Current System | Current Cost | Status from Aug 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge | Manual toll collection | GY$60 | Toll-free |
| Berbice River Bridge | Private operation | GY$1,900 | Toll-free |
| Demerara Harbour Bridge | Government operation | GY$200 | Toll-free |
| Takutu River Bridge (Brazil) | No toll system | Free | Remains free |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Berbice River Bridge - Major river crossing going toll-free August 2025
- Demerara Harbour Bridge - Primary Georgetown connection going toll-free
- Takutu River Bridge - International Brazil connection (already toll-free)
- Guyana Toll Roads - Complete guide to Guyana bridge and road tolls
- New Demerara River Bridge - US$260M bridge under construction
Official Resources:
- Linden Town Council: Bridge operations and toll information
- Ministry of Public Infrastructure: New bridge construction updates
- Linmine Secretariat: Bridge monitoring and safety oversight
