It could take some more time before the Kuri-Gongri confluence Bailey bridge along the Nganglam-Gyalpozhing highway is relaunched. However, this time the bridge’s load-bearing capacity will be enhanced. Commuters are desperately waiting for the completion of the work. The Bailey bridge collapsed 16 days ago along with a ten-wheeler dumper truck.
The Department of Surface Transport’s regional office in Lingmethang is carrying out the restoration works. The office planned to complete the works within two weeks after the collapse but as the bridge’s load-bearing capacity is being upgraded, it is taking longer than expected according to the chief engineer.
“The previous bridge’s load-bearing capacity was only 24 metric tons. With the country’s development now, we are increasing the capacity to 40 metric tons. So, we have to add more panels. This is why we are taking more time,” said Kinzang Dorji, the chief engineer of the Lingmethang regional office.
He added that their work progress is also hampered, as they don’t have the required machines for launching a bigger bridge now. However, they are procuring the required machinery to complete the work at the earliest.
“Our hydraulic jack and roller are not able to bear the bridge’s truss load, so, work got a bit delayed. However, if things go well, we are hoping to relaunch the bridge work within the next three to four days,” added the chief engineer.
The infrastructure and transport minister visited the site and monitored the work progress on Tuesday. Currently, vehicles are being diverted via the East-West highway and the Assam highway in India.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Kipchu
