Union Construction Minister inspects expressway repairs, bridge works

UNION Minister for Construc­tion U Myo Thant inspected the repair of roads and bridg­es damaged by the Mandalay earthquake along the Yan­gon-Mandalay Expressway (Nay Pyi Taw-Yangon section) and the reconstruction of the Swa Creek Bridge at milepost 165/1 during his inspection tour yesterday.

At the site, officials report­ed that the new bridge is being rebuilt with a design capable of withstanding earthquakes up to magnitude 8, incorporating soil improvement measures, geophysical surveys and mod­ern construction techniques. Installation of steel plate gird­ers and concreting works have been largely completed, with remaining tasks under way.

The Union Minister stressed adherence to design standards and quality control, regular inspection of the tem­porary bailey bridge, and strict workplace safety measures.

He also inspected the com­pleted works, including girder installation, concrete decking, elastomeric bearings for seis­mic resistance, and erosion control measures.

Roads and bridges dam­aged by the Mandalay earth­quake on 28 March 2025 along the expressway have been re­paired, including the Hmauk­khon Creek Bridge. The new Swa Creek Bridge (return lane) is scheduled for completion in June 2026, after which construc­tion of the inbound bridge will continue, ensuring uninterrupt­ed transport connectivity, ac­cording to reports. — MNA/KZL