A new three-storey, single-lane C200 (extra-wide) Bailey bridge is being built at the Goktwin bridge site on the Mandalay–Pyin Oo Lwin–Lashio road to allow 50-ton trucks to pass, officials said.

On January 31, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant, accompanied by senior officials, inspected road and bridge maintenance works along the Mandalay–Nawnghkio section and the construction of the new Bailey bridge at Goktwin.

At the site, the responsible engineer explained that the original bridge had been damaged by explosions and that a temporary Bailey bridge had been installed to keep traffic moving, along with plans to build a permanent structure.

The minister said the Mandalay–Pyin Oo Lwin–Lashio route is vital for cargo transport. After the Goktwin bridge was destroyed by a bombing on July 14, 2025, army engineers quickly erected a 150-foot, double-storey Bailey bridge to maintain connectivity, allowing vehicles of up to 25 tons to cross. To improve freight flow, a new 210-foot-long, 24-foot-wide, three-storey single-lane C200 Bailey bridge is now being constructed at the original site. Once completed, it will enable heavy trucks of up to 50 tons to pass smoothly.

He stressed the need to complete the project quickly due to its importance for trade and transport. The temporary bridge will later be removed and replaced with a permanent bridge built in its original design, while debris from the damaged bridge must be cleared systematically to ensure the waterway is unobstructed.

The minister and team also visited the Yadanabon Cyber City project area near Pyin Oo Lwin to inspect site maintenance, boundary fencing with concrete posts and barbed wire, and roadside clearance works, and gave necessary instructions.