The Jigmeling Bridge on the Gelephu- Sarpang highway is in a poor condition. It was constructed in 1997 and has a life span of 25-30 years.
The planks of the bridge have worn out and become loose as a result of hundreds of vehicles plying on it every day.
Every now and then, the Department of Road deploys labourers to fix the planks that have come loose.
The bridge has a carrying capacity of 24 metric tons but has been reduced to 18 metric tons.
People BBS spoke to said sometimes excavators weigh 20 metric tons forcefully ply over the bridge.
The problem will be addressed as a new bridge is being constructed nearby. It will be complete by February next year, a month ahead of its deadline.
The new bridge will have a carrying capacity of 40 metric tons. The width of the new bridge is 6.3 meters, which is more than double the width of the old bridge.
It is one of the several bridges that the Japanese Construction Company, Dai Nippon Construction, is building in the country. The bridge is being constructed with funds from the Japanese Government.
