Bailey bridge over Boalia canal risky
An iron bridge over Boalia canal on Barisal-Patuakhali highway in Bakerganj upazila of the district has turned awfully risky, much to the worry of thousands of people who use the bridge every day.
Local people said the steel structure of the bridge that connects Patuakhali, Barguna and Payra seaport with the divisional headquarters, is in a most dilapidated condition and may collapse anytime due to lack of renovation for long.
“Amid risk we have to run vehicles over the dilapidated bridge as it is the lone road connection between Payra seaport and Barisal,” said Anwar Hossain, a trucker of Barisal.
Most of the truckers carry 20 to 25 tonnes of goods on their vehicles daily, risking their lives as they have no alternative options to communicate with Payra port, said Dhiman Sarker, 42, a contractor of Barguna.
Roads and Highways Department (RHD) officials said most of the wooden sleepers of the Bailey bridge over Boalia canal, which has been in use for the last ten years, are either broken or awfully damaged.
Despite repeated repair, the bridge has become death traps for the passengers, they added.
Executive Engineer Mohammad Khaled Shams of Barisal RHD said they have already sent a proposal to construct seven bridges, along with reconstruction of Boalia bridge.
If the proposed projects are approved the primary work would be started within this year, Shams added.
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