Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant yesterday inspected repair works being carried out along the Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon section on Yangon-Mandalay Expressway, which had suffered damage due to a recent earthquake. The inspection aimed to ensure road and bridge safety and to maintain uninterrupted transportation.

At the Swa Creek Bridge near Milepost 165/1 on the expressway, the Union Minister assessed reports of officials from the Department of Bridges on damage to two Swa Creek bridges on the northbound and southbound lanes due to the quake including lowered piers, leaning supports and cracks at the base. Strengthening works using bailey frames underneath the bridge had been carried out to stabilize the structure.

The Union minister further inspected the bridge deck, which had collapsed, and a temporary Bailey bridge currently allowing safe vehicle passage. He closely checked the piers, which had sunk and tilted and cracks caused by changes in the water course from the Swachaung Dam, leading to erosion at the bridge base. The approach roads also showed signs of cracking and sinking. The Union minister instructed officials to address these issues with the necessary actions.

The Mandalay earthquake caused damage to 283 points on the concrete sections of the expressway. Although some sections did not suffer structural failure, 185 areas developed surface waves requiring levelling. Temporary repairs were completed to maintain traffic flow, except at the severely damaged Dokhtawady Bridge near Milepost 358/2. Speed limits of vehicles have been reduced on temporarily repaired sections for safety. At Milepost 183/7, where a cracked concrete section was under repair, officials briefed the Union minister on the repairing process.

The inspection continued at the Thaik Creek Bridge on Nay Pyi Taw’s Pobbathiri Township ring road, where two 90-foot bridge spans and approach roads had been reconstructed. Asphalt concrete paving was underway on the approach roads. The Union minister inspected the works and gave necessary instructions to officials.

MNA/KZL

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