The much-awaited bridge over Omchhu in Phuentshogling opened to the traffic on Wednesday. The first four-lane bridge in the town is expected to ease traffic congestion in the core town area.
The 46.8-meter long pre-stressed concrete box girder bridge near the confluence of Toorsa is the fourth bridge over Omchhu.
Earlier, vehicles had to cross the river to get across, which was risky, especially during monsoons.
“We have many people living near Toorsa, and workshops and factories are there too. Also, there are many ongoing projects nearby. Earlier, vehicles ply over the old bridge in the town. But with the new bridge, it will benefit people and also ease the traffic congestion,” Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon, said.
The bridge built at a cost of over Nu 75 M is a part of the northern bypass road. Once the ongoing northern bypass road is complete, the vehicles can enter through the second entry gate, cross the bridge and join the main highway at the turning near Royal Bhutan Army campus.
The officials from Phuenthogling Thromde are also planning to divert the heavy vehicles from this bridge to further ease the traffic congestion.