Upgrade of Uru river bridge to reinforced concrete bridge completed 70%

A total of 70 per cent of the cable-stayed bridge connecting between Naung Po Aung Model Village and Thaphan Gone Village in Homalin Township has been upgraded to a reinforced concrete bridge, said U Aung Thiha, Director of Bridges Department (Civil), Ministry of Construction.
It is estimated to cost K5 billion for upgrading the Uru River Bridge as a reinforced concrete bridge.
With K2 billion of Union budget from the 2021-22 financial year, the bridge construction started on 22 January this year and is now 70 per cent complete.
“In our advanced section, we will replace the existing cable-stayed bridge and install a steel frame. We have already bought the steel frames. This year, we have to build three piers to install the steel frames.
”The three piers are 100 per cent complete and will be replaced by an existing cable-stayed bridge in an open season of next year. It is expected to be completed in March next year. It is now 70 per cent complete,” said U Aung Thiha.
It has been more than ten years since the construction of the cable-stayed bridge across the Uru River.
The withstanding capacity of the cable-stayed bridge is 13 tonnes of loads, making it impossible for trucks to pass over. The cable-stayed bridge was upgraded to a reinforced concrete bridge due to delays in the flow of goods in the area due to crossings.
“It used to be an important bridge in Upper Sagaing Region, so it is under construction,” U Aung Thiha added.
The bridge will be 1,090 feet long and 26 feet wide. This year, 1.8-metre-diameter reinforced concrete pipes will be erected, and steel frames have been purchased for the bridge.
During the construction of the bridge, the old cable-stayed bridge will be demolished and replaced with a reinforced concrete floor. There will be a 40-foot-high water clearance and a 3-foot-wide sidewalk on each side, including four 135-foot long Plate Girder spans and ten 55-foot long R.C Girder spans.
In addition to upgrading the Uru River Bridge in Homalin Township, the Chindwin Bridge (Htamanthi) is also under construction this financial year, officials said.
Once the bridges are completed, trucks will be able to reach the upper regions of the Uru River, Naga Self-Administered Zone, and Tamu Township.
On the other hand, it will be able to travel to India, which will improve the flow of trade and develop the region. — Lulay/ GNLM