19 December (YMG)

Yangon's relentless battle against its infamous traffic congestion receives a promising ray of hope with the ongoing construction of the Bago River Bridge, referred to as Thanlyin Bridge No. 3.

This ambitious project, aimed at easing the city's traffic gridlock, is swiftly nearing its final stages.

Serving as a crucial link between the vibrant Thilawa Special Economic Zone and the pulsating heart of Yangon City, this monumental infrastructure endeavor is inching towards completion, currently boasting an impressive 94 percent finalization rate.

The construction of the Bago River Bridge, also known as Thanlyin Bridge No. 3, began in 2013, leveraging advanced technology and a collaborative effort involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Myanmar’s Ministry of Planning and Finance, the Ministry of Construction, and other pertinent ministries.

The Bago River Bridge, classified as a Steel Suspension Bridge or cable-stayed bridge, spans a total length of 8,638 feet. This comprises a river crossing section extending 6,663 feet and an overpass section stretching 1,975 feet. The bridge boasts a width of 75 feet and accommodates four lanes of traffic, with dedicated 5-foot motorcycle lanes on either side.

The bridge can support vehicles weighing up to 75 tons each.

Upon its full completion, the bridge is poised to alleviate the traffic congestions plaguing Thanlyin Bridge No. 1. This development holds significant promise for the Thilawa Special Economic Zone and surrounding regions, including Yangon's southern districts like Thanlyin, fortifying their socio-economic landscape amid an influx of foreign businesses.

The transformative impact won't be limited to the development of the Thilawa Special Economic Zone and Thanlyin. It will also leverage the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Hpa-an -Myawaddy and facilitating enhanced connectivity with Mon State.

This vital infrastructure isn't limited to local advantages. It's set to enhance communication and strengthen development connections with neighboring regional countries, fostering a wider network of growth and cooperation, as gathered from reports.

-ymg/knl