Large pothole turns key Sonargaon bridge into death trap

SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ,  Aug 10: A large pothole has developed in the Dhaka-bound lane of Ashariarchar-2 Bridge on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, raising fears of a major accident.

Thousands of vehicles use the bridge every day, often at considerable risk. The pothole has formed in the middle of the bridge deck slab and is so deep that water beneath the bridge can reportedly be seen through it.

Locals and commuters fear that a serious accident could occur at any time unless the damaged section is repaired permanently.

The condition of the pedestrian walkway on both sides of the bridge is also deplorable. As the walkway has remained damaged for a long time, pedestrians are often forced to use the main carriageway, putting themselves at risk.

A visit to the site found that a large hole had developed in the middle section of the bridge deck over the past few days. Buses, trucks, covered vans and other vehicles have to slow down and cross the bridge cautiously to avoid it.

Locals said vibrations can be felt on the bridge when heavy vehicles pass. The danger becomes greater at night or during rain, when the pothole is difficult to see.

Residents said the damaged area has gradually widened over the past few days, but no permanent measure has yet been taken to reduce the risk.

The pedestrian walkway is in similarly poor condition. Slabs have broken at several points, concrete has come off and large gaps have developed in places. As the walkway has not been repaired for a long time, it is now partly covered with weeds and has become almost unusable.

Workers of several industrial establishments in the area, including Fresh of Meghna Group, Bashundhara Group, Al-Mostafa Company and Tiger Power House, along with local residents and students, use the walkway every day. With several sections lacking slabs, many are forced to walk along the highway, raising the risk of being hit by fast-moving vehicles.

Truck driver Mohsin Mia said he drives across the bridge every day in fear because of its poor condition.

“A large hole has developed in the middle of the bridge. A serious accident could happen at any time. If it is not repaired permanently soon, there is a risk of loss of life,” he said.

Locals alleged that despite the bridge and pedestrian walkway remaining hazardous for a long time, the authorities concerned had taken no effective steps.

They demanded immediate repairs to the damaged section, restoration of the pedestrian walkway and installation of adequate warning and safety measures to prevent accidents.

Abdur Rahim, Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department’s Narayanganj Road Division, said they were aware of the pothole on Ashariarchar-2 Bridge.

“A steel plate has initially been placed over the hole. Later, shuttering will be installed underneath and the damaged section will be permanently repaired by pouring concrete,” he said.
He said work could not be completed because of rain.

“We hope the repair work will be completed within a few days,” he added.