The first flyover bridge in Bhutan, under construction at Changbangdu in Thimphu, will be completed within the deadline by January 31, according to the contractor and officials of the department of road.

The 115-metre span and 5.5-metre carriage bridge connects to the Thimphu-Babesa road link and its completion, motorists hope, will lead to more regulated traffic on the road link.

“Since the construction work was started from November 28, 2006, we’ve not encountered any problems related to the construction,” said the department’s bridge division site executive engineer, Shivalal Sharma. “Even if some problems arise in the near future, we expect the main structure of the bridge to be completed on time.” About 60-70 workers are working on the flyover every day.

The flyover, raised on four robust pillars, that are six feet wide and of a thickness of 3.3 feet, has a capacity of 40 tons, said Lungten Jamtsho of the bridge division.

Once opened to traffic, only vehicles travelling towards Babesa will be allowed to use the one-way flyover. Lungten Jamtsho said that the flyover would help motorists travelling through Changzamtog and Changgedaphu. Instead of taking a turn at the Memorial Chorten or from Lungtenzampa, which is a longer distance, motorists can easily descend on to the road link via the flyover.

The flyover has been constructed with pedestrian footpaths on the left side with an iron railing and safety wall between the carriageway and footpath.

The construction work is being done by Bhutan Builders, which built the Ngabi Rongchu bridge, at a cost of Nu 30.74 million, said road officials.
Source: Kuenselonline