ISLAMABAD: After a delay of several years, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally decided to complete the construction of Burma Bridge on Lehtrar Road in the first quarter of next year.

According to a statement, after completing the test load pilling, the data was forwarded to the consultant for final design.

“The design is likely to be received shortly and after that embedment and pile lowering work will be carried out. Furthermore, casting of 10 girders has been completed while work on pier columns and nullah protection is being taken up simultaneously. Efforts are being made to complete the project within the given time frame,” it stated.

The project remained stuck for several years due to which the local residents and commuters were facing difficulties as traffic jams in the vicinity have become a regular feature.

The CDA said it removed all the hurdles, allocated funds and commenced work on the bridge at the end of September.

Built in 1950s, the bridge was at the verge of collapse and the authorities concerned about seven years ago stopped traffic on the bridge to avoid any untoward incident.

People living around the site had filed several applications to repair the bridge but their requests were not heeded.

The 152 metre long and 11.5 metres wide bridge was estimated to be completed at a cost of Rs199 million but the CDA received the lowest bid that was 3.97pc below the estimated cost.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2019