Tk 5.5cr bridge turns risky as approach road collapses

GOURIPUR, MYMENSINGH, Sept 25: Cracks in the guide wall, a huge pothole on the approach road and broken safety pillars have made a Tk 5.5 crore bridge over the Suria River in Gouripur Upazila risky for commuters.

The bridge, located in Mawha Union, has also become virtually unusable for heavy vehicles as much of the brick-paved section at the approach has collapsed. Small vehicles, including auto-rickshaws and motorcycles, continue to use the road at their own risk, with accidents reportedly occurring during both day and night.

According to locals and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), a 50-metre reinforced concrete girder bridge was constructed over the Suria River at chainage 12,028 on the Go uripur headquarters-Paluhati Bazar via Mawha Bazar road.

The bridge was built at a contract value of Tk 5,53,95,554.54 by Mymensingh-based contractor Sohel Enterprise. Construction was completed towards the end of 2022.

Locals said the brick paving began coming loose just months after construction, creating small potholes that gradually became larger because no proper repairs were carried out.

The deteriorated approach road has now disrupted travel between Gouripur and Netrakona, forcing residents of several villages to take longer routes and causing considerable hardship.

Abul Hashem, a resident of Baushalipara Village, said the road and guide wall appeared to have been poorly constructed.

“Within months of construction, heavy rain caused the road to collapse in places and created potholes. As the authorities have not repaired it, more bricks are coming loose and the approach road is becoming narrower,” he said.

Mawha Union Parishad Chairman Al Faruk said the authorities concerned had been informed about the damaged road.

Gouripur Upazila Engineer Aminul Islam said the damaged section on the eastern side of the bridge had been repaired last year, but the western section had collapsed this year.

“We will repair the damaged western section on an urgent basis,” he said.