40th span of Padma bridge installed

The 40th span of the Padma bridge was installed yesterday, making 6km stretch of the main structure visible.

Only one more span is needed to complete the 6.15-kilometre long bridge, said officials concerned.

The span was installed over the pillars 11 and 12 within eight days of installation of the 39th span, said Dewan Abdul Kader, executive engineer and project manager (main bridge).

On Thursday, a specialised floating crane took the span to the designated poles from Mawa Construction Yard. Considering prevailing weather, the bridge officials decided to take the span a day ago. Then, the crane was anchored there overnight.

Yesterday, the installation was completed successfully around 11am, said the engineer.

Earlier, eight spans were installed in October and November as per target. Officials said they have the target to install the last span by December 15, a day before Victory Day.

The construction of Padma bridge started in 2014 and the first span was installed on September 2017.

The main bridge, which is being constructed with concrete and steel, will be two-storied. China Major Bridge Engineering Company (CMBEC) is constructing the bridge, while another Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation is working for Padma river training.

After completion of the bridge, road communications between 21 southern districts and the capital will be easier and smoother.