A joint venture between China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and Spectra Engineers will build a 1.1km long steel arch bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.
The objective is to reduce congestion and improve mobility between Mymensingh city and Shambhugonj on the opposite river bank and on the Dhaka-Mymensingh-India corridor, according to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which is helping fund the work. Mymensingh is around 110km north of the capital Dhaka.
The project for the steel arch bridge – called the Kewatkhali Bridge after the market through which it will pass - includes a 6.2km four-lane approach road, three road overpasses, two rail overpasses, a toll plaza and a rest area next to the bridge. It will be built next to a small existing bridge.
The design incorporates separated outer lanes for slower moving traffic, such as bicycles, mopeds and small delivery vehicles.
The Kewatkhali Bridge will be the country’s largest steel arch bridge and be similar to Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s main span of 320m will stretch completely across the river allowing for the uninterrupted passage of ships, according to Bangladeshi media report.
The US$292.5 million project will be funded through a $171 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, based in Beijing. The joint venture includes LEA Associates South Asia (India), the Korea-based Yongma Engineering along with subcontractors DeshUpodesh and Kranti Associates (Bangladesh).
When completed in 2025, it should improve connectivity for Mymensingh's land port and Chinese-style special economic zones. The client is Bangladesh's Roads and Highways Department.
According to the AIIB, ancillary works to make the project bridge fully functional will include the installation of traffic management equipment and traffic surveillance, installation of a bridge health monitoring system, street lighting and landscaping, construction of operation and maintenance facilities and communication systems.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) began operations in January 2016 and has now grown to 87 approved members worldwide. It specialises in infrastructure and cross-border connectivity projects.
Spectra Engineers, founded in 1981 as Reza Construction, is a Bangladeshi consulting engineering firm.
