Bailey bridge at risk of collapse in Lalmonirhat

The Bailey bridge over Swarnamati River on Lalmonirhat-Burimari Highway at Sarpukur village at Aditmari upazila of the district may collapse at any time due to plying of overloaded vehicles over it, which would cut off road communication between the district headquarters, four upazilas and Burimari land port

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Lalmonirhat has put up a notice barring vehicles of over 15-tonnes from crossing the bridge, but the caution notice is violated everyday as no vehicle follows the rule.

Locals said at least 5,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day. Of them, 50 percent are light vehicles, 20 percent are below 15-tonnes, and 30 percent are overloaded vehicles. Each overloaded truck carries around 40 tonnes of goods.

Bus driver Nur Islam, 48, of Lalmonirhat town, said they face a lot of trouble while crossing the bridge as it has become weak due to plying of overloaded vehicles on it. “We are forced to use the bridge as it is the only road connection between four upazilas and Burimari land port,” he added.

Truck driver Zahedul Islam, 52, said they carry 25-45 tonnes of goods on their trucks from Burimari land port. “It is highly risky driving the truck on the vulnerable bridge, but we do it as there is no alternative way to connect with Burimari land port,” he added.

“We know RHD has put up a cautionary notice forbidding crossing of overloaded vehicles over the bridge, but we violate it due to lack of options,” said truck driver Helal Uddin. Overloaded trucks cross the bridge at night to dodge the vigilance of RHD officials, he added.

RHD officials said the Bailey bridge over the Swarnamati has been in use for the last ten months, when construction of the main bridge started. It will be used until construction is completed within 2-3 years.

Shahidul Islam, estimator of RHD in Lalmonirhat, said it was not possible to keep watch on the Bailey bridge round the clock, so the put up a cautionary notice. The local administration will take necessary action against plying of overloaded vehicles, he added.