Denham Suspension Bridge, Suspension bridge over Potaro River in Mahdia, Guyana
Denham Suspension Bridge is a cable structure spanning the Potaro River to link Mahdia and Bartica together. The design accommodates both foot traffic and light vehicles up to 10 tonnes since its recent rehabilitation.
Scottish engineer John Aldi built the structure in 1933 during the British Guiana period, creating an important link across the river. Governor Sir Edward Brandis Denham formally opened it and gave the bridge his name.
Local miners gave the bridge a nickname based on a famous film, reflecting how people in the area saw it as a lifeline to the gold fields. The crossing became central to how communities on either side connected with each other.
You can cross the bridge safely on foot or drive light vehicles across it without difficulty. The crossing offers direct access between the two towns and works reliably in most weather conditions.
The bridge was ceremonially opened with golden scissors, an unusual ritual for a construction project in that era. This formal gesture reflected how important the crossing was for the colony at the time.
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