The Denham Suspension Bridge is located in Bartica, Cuyuni Mazaruni, Guyana. The bridge was built over the Potaro River, thus linking the town of Bartica to the Mahdia, renowned for gold and diamond mining. The Denham Bridge is located at the very end of the Bartica-Potaro Road over the Potaro River, some 120 miles from Bartica, about one hundred and twenty miles (120) from Bartica. The suspension bridge stretches across the gorge of the Potaro River, over the Garraway Stream. Dubbed the “Gateway to the Interior“, it is also famously known as the Garraway Stream Bridge. While it is one of the oldest architectural structures in Guyana, it not very famous. It is the oldest link to the interiors of Guyana, built to accommodate the influx of explorers after rumours of wealth and riches.
In the early days of Guyana and even now, the Denham Bridge is an important connection to the gold and diamond mining fields of Mahdia. It is perhaps the oldest bridge in Guyana, even older than the Demerara Harbour Bridge which was constructed in the year of 1976. Some other well-known bridges include the Takatu Bridge, which was built in 2009 and the Berbice Bridge, 2008.
The Denham Bridge – Photo By Marco Farouk Basir, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54395491
What is the Denham Suspension Bridge?
The Denham Bridge is a cable suspension bridge, which is a structure built over a waterway, suspended mid-air by cables. The bridge is approximately three hundred and thirty-three (333) feet long and made to accommodate twenty (20) tons. At either end of the Denham Bridge, there is a single reinforced concrete towers or pylons, from which two steel trusses are suspended by cables connected to the towers. The cables, also known as stays form a series of parallel lines. The Denham Suspension Bridge or the Garraway Bridge allows for the traffic to and fro the heart of Guyana’s interiors. Persons can travel from Bartica to Mahdia via the bridge in under four (4) hours.
History of The Denham Suspension Bridge
Following the discovery of gold in the 1850s, the British Guiana Mining Company was formed which initiated the search in the gold and diamond fields of our highlands. Guyana was believed to host El Dorado, the lost city of gold, a rumour which attracted many explorers to the highlands regions. This influx of people was a key factor in establishing the Anglican missionary settlement in 1842, which was the most convenient link to Mahdia. Of course, a medium was necessary to accommodate the transportation of both gold and people. The only feasible option was to build a bridge to link Mahdia and Bartica by trail. At the time, technology was limited and so it was decided for a bridge, suspended by cables to quite literally, bridge the gap between the areas.
The construction of the suspension bridge was assigned to John Aldi, contractor and civil engineer of Scottish origins. However, little is known about the bridge and its engineer except that after his death, John Aldi was laid to rest at the Bartica’s Sorrow Hill Cemetery. After completion, the structure was named the Denham Suspension Bridge, after Sir Edward Brandis Denham who served as Governor of Guyana (1930–1935). The bridge was declared opened by Governor Denham on 8th November 1933.
In its early days, the Denham Bridge was the sole suspension bridge in Guyana that could have supported heavy vehicles. The bridge has recently undergone rehabilitation works after its thirty (30) years closure and remains in operation. However, it only accommodates for light traffic about ten (10) tonnes in weight.
Interesting Tip
- According to the Montreal Gazette, The pair of scissors which used to cut the ribbon in the opening ceremony of the Denham Bridge was made from the very first shipments of gold from the area, according to the Montreal Gazette.
- to officially declare the bridge open was made from gold from one of the first shipments that came out of the area.
About The Denham Suspension Bridge
Since 1933, the Denham Bridge remains one of the most convenient ways of entering the interiors of Guyana and is called the Gateway to the Interior, a well-suited name. The bridge was built by the Scotsman John Aldi who was buried at the Bartica’s Sorrow Hill Cemetery. Since it among the oldest, architectural structure in Guyana, the Denham Bridge has become somewhat of a tourist site. If you happen to be in Bartica remember to visit this rustic, architectural piece but buckled up for a long ride.
Article References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denham_Suspension_Bridge
- https://guyaneseonline.net/2012/06/09/the-1933-denham-suspension-bridge-into-guyanas-hinterland/
- https://guyaneseonline.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/1933-denham-bridge.pdf
- https://whatshappeningguyana.com/directory/denham-bridge/
- https://www.thingsguyana.com/here-are-six-6-things-to-do-during-your-next-bartica-visit/
- https://guyanachronicle.com/2020/01/09/denham-bridge-reopened-to-light-traffic/
- https://theworldnews.net/gy-news/denham-bridge-reopened-to-light-traffic
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable-stayed_bridge
