Nilphamari bridge tests traffic nerves

The bridge over River Burikhora at Domar Nilphamari main road in Kochua village under sadar upazila of the district has become dilapidated and needs urgent repair. A large number of vehicles use the bridge at great risk every day. 

Local people allege that the roads and highways department has only put up two signboards on both sides of the bridge to warn people of danger. But nothing has been done to repair the bridge, they gripe.                                      
Md Monirujjaman, sub-divisional engineer of the Nilphamari roads and highways department,  told The Independent: “The condition of the 30-metre-long bridge has deteriorated since last year. Plying of vehicles has been restricted on the bridge. We’ve put up two signboards on both sides of the bridge to warn drivers.”” 
He also said a bamboo railing has been set up on either side of the bridge and there are several speed-breakers so that vehicles move slowly and with caution..
Akhtarujjaman, a local resident, said a night coach bound for Domar from Dhaka fell off the bridge resulting in many casualties about four months ago.
Rabiul Alam, a truck driver, said: “My hear is in my mouth whenever I travel over the bridge with my vehicle.”
AKM Hamidur Rahman, executive engineer of the Niphamari roads and highways department, said: “The bridge cannot be repaired. A new bridge needs to be built.” About Tk 5 crore would be needed to build a new bridge, he noted.
“About six months ago, the proposal for building a new bridge was sent to the ministry concerned. But we haven’t received any reply yet. If the approval comes, a new bridge will be built on an emergency basis,” he added.

Nilphamari bridge tests traffic nerves

The bridge over River Burikhora at Domar Nilphamari main road in Kochua village under sadar upazila of the district has become dilapidated and needs urgent repair. A large number of vehicles use the bridge at great risk every day. Local people allege that the roads and highways department has only put up two signboards on both sides of the bridge to warn people of danger. But nothing has been done to repair the bridge, they gripe. Md Monirujjaman, sub-divisional engineer of the Nilphamari roads and highways department, told The Independent: The condition of the 30-metre-long bridge has deteriorated since last year. Plying of vehicles has been restricted on the bridge. Weve put up two signboards on both sides of the bridge to warn drivers. He also said a bamboo railing has been set up on either side of the bridge and there are several speed-breakers so that vehicles move slowly and with caution.. Akhtarujjaman, a local resident, said a night coach bound for Domar from Dhaka fell off the bridge resulting in many casualties about four months ago. Rabiul Alam, a truck driver, said: My hear is in my mouth whenever I travel over the bridge with my vehicle. AKM Hamidur Rahman, executive engineer of the Niphamari roads and highways department, said: The bridge cannot be repaired. A new bridge needs to be built. About Tk 5 crore would be needed to build a new bridge, he noted. About six months ago, the proposal for building a new bridge was sent to the ministry concerned. But we havent received any reply yet. If the approval comes, a new bridge will be built on an emergency basis, he added.