The reconstruction of the recently-damaged Goattwin bridge, a major part of border trade sector, has been almost finished and autos will be likely to pass through within next few days, the Ministry of Construction reported.
The Goattwin bridge on Mandalay-Lashio Union Highway between Kyaukme and Naungcho was blasted by armed ethnics in the northern Shan State on August 15 and that resulted in the disruption of traffic.
The Special Bridge Group of Ministry of Construction in partnership with Oriental Highway Company are reconstructing the damaged Goattwin bridge and that the construction accounted for 80 % completion on August 19.
"The 80 % of the reconstruction of the bridge has been finished so far. The height of the approach road is four feet. The 220-foot-long road will be paved on Naungcho side and the 120-foot-long road on Kyaukme side. Once all completed, we will have to test durability whether autos can pass through or not," said a responsible person of the construction site.
While the damaged Goattwin bridge is under construction, the vehicles heading to Mandalay from Muse are waiting to pass through. The drivers who are waiting for the day the completion of the bridge are being provided purified drinking bottles and refreshments by the well-wishers from Naung Pein, Pintein, Pinte and Zeepinsakhan.
"We cook meals and curries and distribute them to the drivers and the helpers who are waiting to pass through the bridge. The well-wishers from the village provide donations as many as they can. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are arranged for them," said Nay Aung of Naung Pein Social Organisation.
At 9 pm on August 19, the 210-foot long two-lane bridge has been paved. The construction of the steel flooring and two approach roads run parallel. The repaired bridge must stand 36-ton of load, according to the report of the Ministry Construction.
The number of the vehicles waiting for the completion of the damaged bridge are about 300 cargo trucks on Kyaukme side and more than 100 on Naungcho side.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
