A temporary Bailey bridge constructed to replace the Gote Twin bridge which was damaged in a mine explosion on 15 August, began allowing 48-ton trucks yesterday morning.

The Ministry of Construction gave the green light for 48-ton trucks traveling on the bridge, 30 days after it allowed 36-ton trucks.

The Gote Twin bridge was located between Mile Posts 83/7 and 84 on the Lashio-Muse border trade route at the road section of PyinOoLwin and Nawnghkio. Over 5,000 vehicles passed through the bridge every day, carrying goods worth US$15 million between Myanmar and China. It was also a major bridge for the Muse-Ruili and Chin Shwe Haw-Mein Tain border trade posts. The temporary bridge was opened to 48-ton vehicles after engineers from the Road Management Department, the Bridge Management Department under the Ministry of Construction, and the Road Management Department of northern Shan State underpinned the bridge with top chords, H beams, and reinforced beams, and deflection tests were performed on it.

 Khayan Soe Myint